Poetry and the Question of Modernity: From Heidegger to the Present

Martin Heidegger's political commitments in the 1930s and 1940s have been revealed in his recently published "Black Notebooks," reminding us of the dark allegiances co-existing with one of the twentieth century's most important philosophical projects. Poetry and the Question of Modernity: From Heidegger to the Present explores the relationship between Heidegger's philosophy and the modern lyric, arguing that some of the best-known modern poets are in deep imaginative affinity with his enquiry into finitude, language, and Being. However, each poet challenges Heidegger because they appeal to a transcendence that is inseparable from the motion of encounter with embodied others, revealing the full measure of Heidegger's relevance in redefining modern selfhood and the depth of his blindness.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 250 pages
Publication date: 13 December 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Martin Heidegger's 'Black Notebooks' have sparked a renewed interest in his political commitments during the 1930s and 1940s. These revelations have brought to light the dark allegiances that coexisted with one of the twentieth century's most profound and influential philosophical projects. Heidegger viewed poetry as a vessel for embracing Being and resisting the instrumental tendencies of modernity.

In his groundbreaking work, "Poetry and the Question of Modernity: From Heidegger to the Present," Michael Schmidt explores the intricate relationship between Heidegger's philosophy and the modern lyric. He argues that several renowned modern poets, including Paul Celan, Seamus Heaney, and Les Murray, share a profound imaginative affinity with Heidegger's exploration of finitude, language, and Being. However, the unique contributions of each poet challenge Heidegger's perspective in distinctive ways.

While Heidegger's philosophy emphasizes the inherent limitations and fragility of human existence, these poets appeal to a transcendence that transcends the confines of language. They depict the encounter with embodied others as a source of transcendence, which is inseparable from the motion of language itself. Through their poetry, these poets reveal the full measure of Heidegger's relevance in redefining modern selfhood, while simultaneously shedding light on the depth of his blindness.

This book offers a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the interplay between Heidegger's philosophy and the modern lyric. It provides a valuable contribution to the field of literary studies, particularly in the realm of poetry, and sheds light on the enduring relevance of Heidegger's ideas in contemporary thought. By delving into the creative expressions of these poets, Schmidt offers a fresh perspective on the complexities of human existence and the ongoing struggle between tradition and modernity.

Weight: 370g
Dimension: 227 x 154 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032238913