Have you ever stopped to consider what makes something a “thing”?
Is it simply an object that we use and interact with in our daily lives? Or is there something more to it?
In the world of philosophy, this question has been explored by many great thinkers throughout history.
One such philosopher is known for his examination of the concept of “thingness” – a term used to describe the essence of what makes something a thing.
In this blog article, we will delve into the ideas of this philosopher and explore what it means to be a “thing” according to his philosophy.
So, buckle up and get ready to explore the fascinating world of Heidegger’s concept of “thingness”.
What Is A Thing Heidegger
Heidegger’s philosophy on “thingness” is a complex and nuanced one. He believed that objects become things when they can no longer serve their common function. In other words, when an object breaks down, malfunctions, or eludes our understanding, it becomes a thing.
Heidegger’s examination of the concept of “thingness” led him to conclude that calling anything a “thing” is both too much and too little. He believed that the term “thing” is too broad and can encompass anything from a color to an idea to a tradition. However, it is also too narrow because hardly anything is a mere thing. Even a stone, which is often considered the quintessential thing in philosophy, can be seen as more than just an object.
To truly understand what constitutes a thing, Heidegger believed that we must examine the meaning of “thingness” itself. This means looking beyond the surface-level characteristics of an object and exploring its deeper essence.
Heidegger’s philosophy on “thingness” has important implications for our understanding of the world around us. By recognizing that objects are more than just things we use and interact with, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the complexity and richness of our surroundings.
Introduction To Heidegger’s Philosophy Of Thingness
Heidegger’s philosophy of thingness is a complex and multi-layered one that seeks to understand the essence of objects beyond their surface-level characteristics. At its core, Heidegger’s philosophy argues that objects become things when they can no longer serve their common function. This means that when an object breaks down, malfunctions, or eludes our understanding, it becomes a thing.
However, Heidegger believed that calling anything a “thing” is both too much and too little. On the one hand, the term “thing” is too broad and can encompass anything from a color to an idea to a tradition. On the other hand, it is also too narrow because hardly anything is a mere thing. Even a stone, which is often considered the quintessential thing in philosophy, can be seen as more than just an object.
In order to truly understand what constitutes a thing, Heidegger believed that we must examine the meaning of “thingness” itself. This means looking beyond the surface-level characteristics of an object and exploring its deeper essence. He believed that language plays a crucial role in determining the ‘thing’ as a bearer of traits and without words, concepts, and assertions, we would live in a world of floating sensations.
Heidegger’s examination of the concept of “thingness” has important implications for our understanding of the world around us. By recognizing that objects are more than just things we use and interact with, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the complexity and richness of our surroundings. Heidegger believed that objects become accessible and intelligible (unveiled, unconcealed) through works of art and thereby bring to realization the being of entities in a world. The work of art becomes the “measure of all measuring,” the standard that discloses how things are for people.
The Origin Of Thingness In Heidegger’s Philosophy
Heidegger’s philosophy on “thingness” was heavily influenced by his distinction between objects and things, which he borrowed from the philosopher Martin Heidegger. According to Heidegger, objects become things when they break outside of their expected, recognizable use. This moment of judgment causes a historical or narrative reconfiguration between the subject and the object, which Heidegger refers to as thingness.
Heidegger believed that language plays a crucial role in determining the thingness of a thing. Without words to attribute to the objects we interact with, we would live in a world of floating sensations. Through language, concepts, and assertions, we offer things a lasting stand and transform the transient flow of sensations into the permanent things we know.
Heidegger’s examination of “thingness” led him to conclude that a thing is the existing bearer of many existing yet changeable properties. Sensations arising from external data and concepts as the product of cognition are the two poles of the dynamical interplay between man and the world around us, after which the thing, space, and time arise.
The Role Of Language In The Concept Of Thingness
Heidegger also believed that language plays a crucial role in the concept of thingness. Language allows us to attribute words and concepts to the things we interact with, which in turn gives them a lasting stand and transforms them from transient sensations into permanent objects. For example, without language, we might only experience the sensation of redness, but through the use of words and concepts, we can attribute the quality of “red” to an object such as a house.
Furthermore, Heidegger argued that language helps to determine the characteristics and properties we attribute to things. By naming an object as “rough” or “bitter,” for example, we are assigning certain traits to it that shape our understanding and interaction with it. This means that our perception of a thing is not solely determined by its physical characteristics, but also by the linguistic and cultural context in which it exists.
In this way, language is not just a tool for communication, but also a means of shaping our perception of the world around us. Heidegger’s philosophy highlights the importance of recognizing the role that language plays in our understanding of thingness and encourages us to question our assumptions about the objects we interact with on a daily basis.
Criticisms And Controversies Surrounding Heidegger’s Philosophy Of Thingness
Despite the profound insights that Heidegger’s philosophy on “thingness” offers, it has not been without its criticisms and controversies. One of the main criticisms is that Heidegger’s approach is too abstract and detached from reality. Critics argue that his focus on the essence of objects ignores the practical considerations of how we interact with them in our daily lives.
Another criticism of Heidegger’s philosophy is that it is too elitist and exclusive. Some argue that his emphasis on the importance of understanding the deeper essence of objects is only accessible to a select few who have the time and resources to engage in such philosophical contemplation.
Furthermore, Heidegger’s association with the Nazi party during World War II has led to controversy surrounding his philosophical ideas. Critics argue that his philosophy on “thingness” can be interpreted as promoting a dangerous ideology of objectification and dehumanization.
Despite these criticisms and controversies, Heidegger’s philosophy on “thingness” remains an important contribution to the field of philosophy. It challenges us to think deeply about our relationship with objects and encourages us to see them in a new light.
