Alle Heidegger es divida in tres partes. In B&T, Heidegger describes being human as a phenomenon within the perameters of the potentials for existence which are given. Heidegger describes the practical activity of the Craftsman, the theoretical activity of the Scientist, and the poetic activity of the Artist. The 2d and 3d are derivative of the 1st--becoming "clarifications" detached from their mundane origins, and in turn becoming directionless. Pretensions set in which must be overcome by re-asserting the foundation of Craft.

The first leg of the program is to investigate history in an effort to find the originary experience out of which thought itself arises. Heidegger finds two basically conflicted responses of the Thinker: the aggressive, formal scientific theorist, and the quiet, concrete expressions of the artist.

The third aspect of the work is the attempt to explore the way an Artist can arrive at a more whole comprehension of being human, which Heidegger takes as a transcending process. In this silent awareness, thought achieves its potentiality. Experimentation with this awareness is the telos of Heidegger's process. The first two perspectives are prolegomena. So...silence as a mode of awareness.

The most important work of 20th century philosophy (just to clarify, I define the work of Bernard Stiegler as 21st century philosophy). A careful reading will be transformational. ( )

Ideally a profoundly exciting book, although a dull read. However, it continues to touch my every wakening minute especially in regard to male and female relationships. ( )

I'm almost through this and I've found a lot of what he says to say to be stimulating. His criticisms of traditional western metaphysics (subject/object discussions in particular) opens up a lot of thoughtful questions about the basic assumptions of everyday life and thought. I find myself doubting his assertions about authenticity vs inauthenticity when it comes to Being--I feel like these labels are not explicated enough for me to have a satisfactory a priori kind of understanding of what he means by them. Also, his ideas about temporality are pretty confusing, though maybe I just need to get through to the end. Also, it's gotta be a lot better in German. MH is quoted as saying that English stopped mattering in like the 11th century... ( )

It must be lost in translation. Reading about his philosophy is fascinating. But reading his work in itself...ugh. I'm definitely getting the feeling that a knowledge of German would be helpful. I would have preferred that he had invented new terms instead of using countless variations on Being, a practice which only serve to confuse the reader unless he has the patience to read very slowly and carefully with absolutely nothing around to distract him. I stopped less than 100 pages in. After reading A Very Brief Introduction to Heidegger, I am convinced that one day I will tackle this book again.