Delve into the complex world of Martin Heidegger, a philosopher famed for his intriguing views on existence and meaningfulness. Discover his critiques of modern alienation and appreciate how he transformed themes of temporality and language in 20th-century thought. However, explore the darker side of his legacy as an unrepentant Nazi and his troubling ideas on authenticity. This riveting discussion brings to light the tension between profound philosophical insights and the controversial political affiliations that shadow them.
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insights INSIGHT
Heidegger vs. Kant
Heidegger's Dasein emphasizes care and being-in-the-world.
This contrasts with Kant's abstract, theoretical view of cognition.
insights INSIGHT
Heidegger's Nazism
Heidegger's Nazism is often downplayed in continental philosophy.
This is humorously compared to having "spinach in his teeth."
insights INSIGHT
Heidegger's Critique of Metaphysics
Heidegger critiques subjectivism in metaphysics.
He aims to disclose being without the subject, leading to a concept of destiny and fascism.
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In 'Being and Time', Heidegger delves into the fundamental question of what it means to 'be'. The book is divided into two main divisions: the first analyzes the existentials of Dasein, or 'being-in-the-world', while the second grounds these existentials in temporality. Heidegger introduces key concepts such as 'Dasein', 'Being-with', and the three temporal ecstases (having-been, present, and to-come), emphasizing that Dasein's existence is essentially futural and characterized by its possibilities and projects. The work challenges traditional philosophical notions of subject and object, instead positing that Dasein is inseparable from its world and historical context[2][4][5].
Here, we finally deliver on our longstanding threat to do an episode all about influential philosopher Martin Heidegger. We give him credit where it’s due: he has a compelling account of the conditions for meaningful existence along with a resonant critique of the alienation endemic to modern society, and is responsible for making important concepts like temporality, finitude, language and historicity into core themes of 20th century continental philosophy. Of course, he’s also an unrepentant Nazi, animated by fascist ideas like originary authenticity and racial destiny, an enemy of conceptual thinking in favor of obscurantist poetics, and an idealist loser who wants us to turn away from actual meaningful things here and now so we can begin to approach the fateful question of the meaning of Being as such. We don’t like him! And we're right.
This is just a short teaser, which I couldn't help but stylize as a horror movie trailer once I had the idea. To hear the full episode, please subscribe to us on Patreon:
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References:
Martin Heidegger, Being and Time, trans. Joan Stambaugh (SUNY, 2010).
Martin Heidegger, “Letter on ‘Humanism’”, in Pathmarks, trans. William McNeill (Cambridge University Press, 1998).
Martin Heidegger, “The Self-Assertion of the German University”, Review of Metaphysics 38:3 (1985): 470-480.
Music:
“Vintage Memories” by Schematist | schematist.bandcamp.com
“My Space” by Overu | https://get.slip.stream/KqmvAN
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