Heidegger Becoming Phenomenological: Interpreting Husserl through Dilthey, 1916-1925

In his book, "The Young Heidegger and the Question of Being," Robert C. Scharff explores Heidegger's interpretation of Dilthey's hermeneutics of historical life and Husserl's transcendental phenomenology, arguing that Heidegger's prior reading of Dilthey grounds his critical appropriation of Husserl's phenomenology. Heidegger presents phenomenology as a genuine alternative to modern philosophies of consciousness that overestimate our intellectual independence from our surroundings. Scharff concludes that we need a phenomenological philosophy that avoids technique-happiness, thinks with self-awareness, and speaks in a language that is not yet selectively representational.

Format: Hardback
Length: 214 pages
Publication date: 14 December 2018
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

In this comprehensive exploration of the subject, Robert C. Scharff delves into the intricate interpretation of Dilthey's hermeneutics of historical life and Husserl's transcendental phenomenology by the young Heidegger. He contends that Heidegger's earlier engagement with Dilthey forms the foundation of his critical appropriation of Husserl's phenomenology. Through a detailed analysis of Heidegger's early lecture courses, Scharff demonstrates that a potential phenomenology emerges as a genuine alternative to the modern philosophies of consciousness, which are still too closely linked to Husserl's actual phenomenology. These philosophies often overestimate our ability to achieve intellectual independence from our surroundings and inheritance.

In response to this, Heidegger elucidates why becoming phenomenological is always a possibility, while being a phenomenologist is not. Scharff concludes that this discussion of the young Heidegger, Husserl, and Dilthey raises the crucial question of our present need for a phenomenological philosophy. This philosophy should eschew technique-driven happiness, exhibit self-awareness that remains intimately connected to life, and adopt a language that avoids selective representation. By engaging with these thinkers, Scharff offers a profound exploration of the possibilities and limitations of phenomenological inquiry, paving the way for a deeper understanding of the human experience and the world around us.

Weight: 472g
Dimension: 160 x 235 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781786607720