Being Guilty: Freedom, Responsibility, and Conscience in German Philosophy from Kant to Heidegger

Guilt is a complex and multifaceted concept that has been explored by various philosophers throughout history. Being Guilty examines the views of Kant, Schelling, Schopenhauer, Paul Rée, Nietzsche, and Heidegger on guilt, freedom, responsibility, and conscience, and seeks to explain how these philosophers' arguments can be more deeply grasped in their historical context. The book argues that guilt for specific actions we perform is justified because the human agent is guilty in his very being, but that this guilt is not responsible for this guilt.

Format: Hardback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 27 April 2022
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

Guilt, the poignant ache of a troubled conscience, holds profound insights into the essence of our human nature. It begs for explanation and justification, prompting us to delve into the thoughts of influential philosophers who have grappled with this complex emotion. In this essay, we explore the perspectives of Kant, Schelling, Schopenhauer, Paul Rée, Nietzsche, and Heidegger on guilt, freedom, responsibility, and conscience.

The concept of guilt has often been overlooked in the study of German philosophy, with scholars failing to give it the attention it deserves. Even individual thinkers whose conceptions of guilt have been researched have often been studied in isolation, neglecting the historical contexts in which they developed. Guy Elgat aims to rectify these scholarly lacunae by presenting a comprehensive exploration of these philosophers' arguments, urging readers to understand them within the rich tapestry of their historical context.

Kant, Schelling, and Schopenhauer offer distinct variations on the idea that guilt for specific actions we perform is justified. They argue that the human agent is inherently guilty, a guilt that stems from his very essence. This guilt, they contend, is a responsibility that he must bear. In contrast, Rée and Nietzsche reject these notions, viewing guilt as rarely justified but rather as an explainable phenomenon rooted in human psychology.

Heidegger, however, presents a near synthesis of the views of the preceding philosophers. He argues that we are guilty in our very being, yet we are not responsible for this guilt. This paradoxical perspective challenges our conventional understanding of guilt and offers a fresh perspective on our moral culpability.

Throughout this essay, Elgat delves into the intricate nuances of these philosophers' views, exploring their arguments in depth. He sheds light on their perspectives on freedom, responsibility, and the nature of conscience. By examining these ideas, Elgat articulates an entirely new approach to guilt, one that challenges our preconceived notions and encourages us to reevaluate our moral compass.

In conclusion, guilt serves as a powerful lens through which we can gain a deeper understanding of ourselves as human beings. By exploring the views of Kant, Schelling, Schopenhauer, Rée, Nietzsche, and Heidegger, we can uncover the complexities of our moral nature and develop a more nuanced perspective on our actions and their consequences. Through the insights provided by Elgat, we can embark on a journey of self-reflection and personal growth, striving to live up to the highest ideals of morality and integrity.

Weight: 498g
Dimension: 218 x 149 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197605561