Being and Time

Synopsis

A knowledge of Heidegger's Sein und Zeit is essential for anyone who wishes to understand a great deal of recent continental work in theology as well as philosophy. Yet until this translation first appeared in 1962, this fundamental work of one of the most influential European thinkers of the century remained inaccessible to English readers. In fact the difficulty of Heidegger's thought was considered to be almost insuperable in the medium of a foreign language, especially English.

That this view was unduly pessimistic is proved by the impressive work of John Macquarrie and Edward Robinson who have succeeded in clothing Heidegger's thought in English without sacrificing the richness and poetic subtlety of the original.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Meaning of Being

* Heidegger argues that the question of being has been neglected in philosophy, and that it is fundamental to understanding human existence.
* He presents his method of phenomenology, which involves describing the structures of human experience without relying on assumptions or theories.
* He distinguishes between being-in-the-world (Dasein) and beings (entities).
* Real example: The experience of being in the hospital after an accident reveals the fragility of our being-in-the-world and the limits of our control over our existence.

Chapter 2: The Structure of Being-in-the-World

* Heidegger explores the basic structures of human existence, including being-towards-death, being-with-others, and care.
* He argues that these structures shape our understanding of being and our relationship to the world.
* Real example: The presence of a loved one during surgery provides a sense of security and companionship in the face of fear and uncertainty.

Chapter 3: Time and Being

* Heidegger analyzes the experience of time and its relationship to being.
* He argues that time is not a linear progression but rather a horizon of possibilities that we project into the future.
* Real example: The anticipation of a future event can motivate us to act and shape our present actions.

Chapter 4: The Fall and Authentic Existence

* Heidegger describes the "fall" from authentic existence into inauthenticity, which is characterized by a preoccupation with the everyday and a flight from responsibility.
* He argues that authentic existence involves confronting our being-towards-death and living in accordance with our own possibilities.
* Real example: A person who faces a terminal illness may undergo a transformation and find new meaning and purpose in their remaining time.

Chapter 5: The Essence of Truth

* Heidegger challenges the traditional notion of truth as the correspondence between a proposition and a fact.
* He argues that truth is a disclosure of being that occurs in understanding.
* Real example: The experience of a work of art can reveal new insights and understandings about the world around us.

Chapter 6: Art and Being

* Heidegger explores the relationship between art and being, arguing that art is a realm of disclosure.
* He suggests that art can reveal the essence of things and provide a glimpse of authentic existence.
* Real example: A painting may capture and convey the emotions and experiences of a particular moment or event, offering a unique perspective on reality.