Heidegger and Dao: Things, Nothingness, Freedom

Eric S. Nelson's book explores Heidegger's engagement with Daoism and his thinking of the thing,nothingness,and freedom through a critical intercultural reinterpretation of his philosophical journey. He analyzes the intersections and differences between the Daodejing, Zhuangzi, and Heidegger's philosophy, tracing hints for encountering things and environments anew and models for intercultural hermeneutics.

Format: Hardback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 30 November 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

In this groundbreaking exploration, Eric S. Nelson delves into the rich tapestry of Chinese sources and German language interpretations that shaped Heidegger's profound engagement with Daoism and his philosophical insights into the concepts of "the thing," "nothingness," and "the freedom of releasement" (Gelassenheit). Spanning a wide range of forgotten and recently published historical materials, including Heidegger's profound reflections on Daoism and Buddhism in his lectures and notebooks, Nelson offers a critical intercultural reinterpretation of Heidegger's philosophical odyssey. Through meticulous analysis, he untangles the intricate intersections and distinctions between the Daodejing, the Zhuangzi, and Heidegger's philosophy, shedding light on the linguistic and conceptual shifts that accompanied his encounters and dialogues with Daoist, Buddhist, and East Asian texts and interlocutors. By tracing these threads, Nelson unveils hints for re-encountering the world and its environments in fresh and transformative ways, provides models for intercultural hermeneutics, and offers pathways for reimagining the essence of "the thing," "nothingness," and freedom within and beyond Heidegger's thought.

Part I of this work delves into Heidegger's understanding of "the thing," "the mystery," and "freedom" in the context of Daoism, while Part II explores his thoughts on "nothingness," "emptiness," and "the clearing" in relation to Daoist and Buddhist philosophy. In each part, Nelson unfolds a fresh perspective for engaging further with Heidegger and East Asian philosophies in addressing the contemporary existential and environmental challenges, with the ultimate aim of nurturing life amidst the damages of existence.

Through his meticulous scholarship and insightful interpretations, Eric S. Nelson's work serves as a valuable resource for scholars and enthusiasts alike, offering a deeper understanding of Heidegger's philosophical journey and its profound implications for our contemporary world.

Weight: 550g
Dimension: 163 x 242 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350411906