Are you interested in delving into the philosophy of Martin Heidegger, but not sure where to begin?
With a reputation as one of the most divisive and challenging philosophers of the 20th century, it can be daunting to know where to start. But fear not, for we have compiled a list of recommended reading to help guide you on your journey into Heidegger’s thought.
From introductory works to more advanced texts, we’ve got you covered. So grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and let’s explore the world of Heidegger together.
Where To Start With Heidegger
If you’re new to Heidegger’s philosophy, it’s best to start with an introductory work that provides a clear overview of his major themes and ideas. One such work is Michael Inwood’s “Heidegger: A Very Short Introduction”, which focuses on Heidegger’s most important work, “Being and Time”. This book provides a lucid introduction to Heidegger’s thought, covering themes such as existence in the world, guilt, truth, and the nature of time.
After reading an introductory work, it’s recommended to move on to Heidegger’s own writings. However, it’s important to note that Heidegger’s works can be dense and challenging to read. Therefore, it’s best to start with some of his shorter essays before diving into his major works.
One such essay is “What is Metaphysics?”, which explores the question of the meaning of being. This essay is a good starting point for understanding Heidegger’s philosophy and his approach to ontology. Another essay worth reading is “The Question Concerning Technology”, which examines the relationship between technology and human existence.
Once you’ve read some of Heidegger’s shorter essays, you can move on to his major works. However, it’s important to keep in mind that these works can be challenging and require careful reading and reflection. “Being and Time” is perhaps Heidegger’s most famous work, but it’s not recommended to start with this text if you’re new to his philosophy. Instead, consider starting with “Basic Writings”, which contains many essays on diverse subjects such as art, science, metaphysics, mathematics, and technology.
Introduction To Heidegger’s Philosophy
Martin Heidegger is one of the most prominent and influential philosophers of the 20th century, and his thought has had a profound impact on modern culture. He is known for his contributions to the phenomenological/humanistic tradition, which emphasizes the subjective experience of individuals and their relationship to the world. Heidegger’s philosophy is complex and challenging, but it is also rewarding for those who take the time to engage with it.
At its core, Heidegger’s philosophy is concerned with the question of being, or the nature of existence. He argues that traditional metaphysics has failed to provide a satisfactory answer to this question, and that a new approach is needed. Heidegger’s approach involves a careful examination of human existence in its everydayness, focusing on the ways in which we interact with the world and with others.
One of the key concepts in Heidegger’s philosophy is that of Dasein, which refers to human existence as it is lived in the world. Dasein is characterized by its openness to the world, its awareness of its own mortality, and its ability to make choices and act in the world. Heidegger argues that understanding Dasein is essential for understanding the nature of being.
Another important theme in Heidegger’s philosophy is that of authenticity. He argues that most people live inauthentic lives, defined by conformity to social norms and expectations. Authenticity involves a recognition of one’s own mortality and finitude, and a commitment to living in accordance with one’s own values and priorities.
Heidegger’s philosophy also includes a critique of modern technology, which he sees as a threat to human existence. He argues that technology has turned human beings into mere resources for production and consumption, rather than individuals with their own unique perspectives and experiences.
The Basic Concepts Of Heidegger’s Thought
Heidegger’s philosophy is often associated with phenomenology and existentialism, but his ideas should be identified with extreme care and qualification. Heidegger’s thought has exerted a seminal influence on the development of contemporary European philosophy, as well as in other fields such as architectural theory, literary criticism, theology, psychotherapy, and cognitive science.
One of the fundamental concepts of Heidegger’s thought is the meaning of being. Heidegger believed that the question of being is the most fundamental question that can be asked, and that it underlies all other philosophical questions. He argued that traditional philosophy has ignored this question, and that it is necessary to return to the question of being in order to understand the nature of human existence.
Another important concept in Heidegger’s thought is existence in the world. Heidegger believed that human existence is always situated within a particular historical and cultural context, and that our understanding of the world is shaped by this context. He argued that our understanding of the world is not simply a matter of objective knowledge, but is also shaped by our practical engagement with the world.
Guilt is another important concept in Heidegger’s thought. He believed that guilt arises from our recognition of our own mortality and finitude. Guilt is not simply a matter of moral wrongdoing, but is also a recognition of our own limitations and failures.
Truth is also a key concept in Heidegger’s thought. He argued that truth is not simply a matter of objective correspondence between statements and facts, but is also shaped by our understanding of being. He believed that truth is revealed through our practical engagement with the world, rather than through abstract reasoning or scientific investigation.
Finally, the nature of time is an important concept in Heidegger’s thought. He believed that time is not simply a linear sequence of moments, but is also shaped by our understanding of being. He argued that our experience of time is shaped by our practical engagement with the world, and that time is not simply a matter of objective measurement, but is also a subjective experience.
Works For Beginners
If you’re a beginner looking to delve into Heidegger’s philosophy, there are a few works that are particularly helpful. One such work is “Heidegger For Beginners” by Eric LeMay, which provides an accessible introduction to Heidegger’s major ideas and themes. The book covers topics such as care, existence, being-in-the-world, and anxiety, and is a great starting point for anyone who wants to understand Heidegger’s philosophy without getting bogged down in dense academic language.
Another good introductory work is Michael Inwood’s “Heidegger: A Very Short Introduction”, which provides a concise overview of Heidegger’s thought and covers themes such as truth, guilt, and the nature of time. This book is ideal for anyone who wants to get a quick understanding of Heidegger’s philosophy before diving into his major works.
For those who want to read Heidegger’s own writings, it’s recommended to start with some of his shorter essays before moving on to his major works. “What is Metaphysics?” is a particularly good starting point, as it explores the question of the meaning of being and provides an insight into Heidegger’s approach to ontology. Another essay worth reading is “The Question Concerning Technology”, which examines the relationship between technology and human existence.
Intermediate-Level Works
If you’ve already read some of Heidegger’s shorter essays and are ready to tackle his major works, there are a few intermediate-level works that can help bridge the gap. One such work is “Introduction to Metaphysics”, which provides a more detailed exploration of Heidegger’s ontology and his concept of being. This work also delves into Heidegger’s critique of modernity and technology.
Another intermediate-level work is “The Origin of the Work of Art”, which explores the nature of art and its relationship to truth. This work is particularly interesting for its insights into Heidegger’s views on the role of art in human existence.
Finally, “The Question of Being” is another intermediate-level work that provides a comprehensive overview of Heidegger’s philosophy. This work covers themes such as truth, language, and the relationship between being and time.
It’s important to keep in mind that even these intermediate-level works can be challenging and require careful reading and reflection. However, they can provide a deeper understanding of Heidegger’s philosophy and prepare readers for his more complex works.
Advanced-Level Works
If you have already read some of Heidegger’s shorter essays and are looking to dive deeper into his philosophy, there are several advanced-level works worth exploring.
One such work is “The Origin of the Work of Art”, which explores the nature of art and its relationship to truth. Heidegger argues that art is not just a matter of subjective taste, but rather reveals something essential about the nature of being. This work is particularly interesting for those interested in aesthetics and the philosophy of art.
Another advanced-level work is “Contributions to Philosophy”, which Heidegger himself described as his most important work. In this text, Heidegger delves deeper into his understanding of being and explores the nature of language, technology, and the history of philosophy. This work is particularly challenging, but also rewarding for those willing to put in the effort.
For those interested in Heidegger’s political views, “The Black Notebooks” provide insight into his controversial involvement with the Nazi party. These notebooks were published posthumously and contain Heidegger’s private reflections on politics and history. However, it’s important to approach this work with caution and critical reflection, as Heidegger’s political views have been widely criticized.
Tips For Reading Heidegger
Reading Heidegger can be a challenging task, but with the right approach, it can be a rewarding experience. Here are some tips for reading Heidegger:
1. Take your time: Heidegger’s works require careful reading and reflection. Don’t rush through the text, take your time to understand each concept and idea.
2. Read actively: Engage with the text actively by taking notes, underlining key passages, and asking questions. This will help you to better understand the text and retain the information.
3. Familiarize yourself with key concepts: Heidegger’s philosophy is based on a number of key concepts such as Dasein, being-in-the-world, and authenticity. Make sure you understand these concepts before diving into his major works.
4. Read secondary sources: Reading secondary sources can help you to better understand Heidegger’s ideas and put them into context. Some recommended secondary sources include “Heidegger: A Very Short Introduction” by Michael Inwood and “Martin Heidegger: Key Concepts” by Bret Davis.
5. Join a study group or discussion group: Discussing Heidegger’s ideas with others can help you to better understand them and gain new insights. Consider joining a study group or discussion group to enhance your learning experience.
By following these tips, you can make the most of your reading experience and gain a deeper understanding of Heidegger’s philosophy.
