The Partially Examined Life Philosophy Podcast Precognition of Ep. 80: Heidegger
Aug 7, 2013
Explore the intriguing ideas of Heidegger’s 'Letter on Humanism.' Discover how he relates being to humanism and emphasizes the importance of genuine thinking over mere technical expertise. The discussion dives into the critique of objectifying language and its impact on our understanding of humanity. Heidegger also presents the concept of ek-sistence, highlighting how humans are more than mere substances and are fundamentally connected to the truth of Being. A thought-provoking journey that challenges traditional definitions of humanism.
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Metaphysics Masks The Question Of Being
- Heidegger criticizes Western metaphysics for reading Being through particular beings instead of questioning Being itself.
- This misreading hides human being's unique relation to Being and enforces a subject-object ontology.
Thinking Brings Being Into Language
- Heidegger locates the route to Being in a distinctive kind of thinking, not in technical reasoning or scientific calculation.
- Language is central because "in thinking, being comes to language" and "language is the house of being."
Dwelling Versus Grasping
- Heidegger opposes spatial, dwelling metaphors to metaphysics' ownership and grasping metaphors for subject-object knowing.
- He argues thinking should not be reduced to techne or practical craft if it is to reveal Being.
