The Heidegger Dictionary

The Heidegger Dictionary is a comprehensive resource for students to better understand the influential philosopher of the 20th century. It covers Heidegger's life, ideas, terminology, influences, and published and unpublished works, with updated material and a new A-Z section on his influences. It is an essential research companion for all students of Heidegger, from beginners to advanced.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 400 pages
Publication date: 10 August 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

The term "Dasein" is a central concept in the philosophy of Heidegger, which is explored in his book "Being and Time." Dasein is often translated as "being-there" or "existence," but Heidegger's understanding of it goes beyond these simple definitions. In "Being and Time," Heidegger argues that Dasein is not merely an object or a subject that is encountered in the world, but rather a mode of being that is inherent to the human experience.

To understand Dasein, Heidegger draws on the work of his teacher, Husserl, who was a prominent philosopher of the early 20th century. Husserl's phenomenology is a method of inquiry that focuses on the subjective experience of phenomena, such as sense data and consciousness. Heidegger, however, takes Husserl's approach a step further by arguing that Dasein is not merely an object of phenomenological analysis, but rather the very foundation of human existence.

One of the key differences between Heidegger's phenomenology and Husserl's is that Heidegger emphasizes the importance of the "hermeneutic circle." This refers to the process of understanding something by interpreting it in the context of its historical, cultural, and social surroundings. Heidegger argues that Dasein is not an isolated entity that exists in its own right, but rather is always already involved in a web of relationships with other beings and the world around it.

Another important aspect of Heidegger's phenomenology is his notion of "facticity." Facticity refers to the fact that Dasein is always already engaged in a world of objects and other beings. Heidegger argues that Dasein is not a passive observer of the world, but rather is always actively involved in the world, whether it is through its actions, its relationships, or its experiences.

In conclusion, the term "Dasein" is a central concept in the philosophy of Heidegger, which is explored in his book "Being and Time." Dasein is not merely an object or a subject that is encountered in the world, but rather a mode of being that is inherent to the human experience. Heidegger's phenomenology differs from Husserl's in that it emphasizes the importance of the hermeneutic circle, the fact that Dasein is always already engaged in a world of objects and other beings, and the notion of facticity. By understanding Dasein, we can gain a deeper understanding of our own existence and the world around us.

Weight: 625g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350190351
Edition number: 2 ed