Being and Time – Martin Heidegger

1. Full Citation

Heidegger, M. (1927) Being and Time [Sein und Zeit], translated by John Macquarrie and Edward Robinson (1962). New York: Harper & Row.

2. Introduction

Being and Time is Martin Heidegger’s magnum opus that profoundly influenced existentialism and phenomenology. The book investigates the nature of Being (Sein), human existence (Dasein), and temporality as fundamental to understanding ontology.

3. Author Background and Credentials

Martin Heidegger (1889–1976) was a German philosopher whose work shaped 20th-century continental philosophy, especially existentialism and hermeneutics.

4. Summary of Contents

Key themes include:

  1. Dasein (Being-there)
    • The analysis of human existence.
  2. Being-towards-death
    • Authenticity through confrontation with mortality.
  3. Time and Temporality
    • Temporality as the horizon for understanding Being.
  4. Thrownness and Facticity
    • Conditions of human existence.
  5. Care (Sorge)
    • Fundamental structure of Dasein’s being.

5. Critical Evaluation

a. Coherence and Argumentation

Dense and complex, demanding rigorous interpretation.

b. Originality and Intellectual Contribution

Pivotal work redefining ontology and existential philosophy.

c. Evidence, Sources, and Method

Phenomenological analysis inspired by Husserl.

d. Style and Accessibility

Highly technical and challenging, requiring philosophical training.

e. Limitations and Critiques

Criticized for obscurity and ambiguous terminology.

6. Comparative Context

Compared with:

  • Edmund Husserl’s Ideas – Phenomenological method
  • Jean-Paul Sartre’s Being and Nothingness – Existential ontology
  • Søren Kierkegaard’s works – Existential themes

7. Thematic or Disciplinary Relevance

Relevant to:

  • Ontology and metaphysics
  • Existential philosophy
  • Phenomenology
  • Philosophy of time and being

8. Reflection or Practical Application

Encourages profound reflection on human existence and authenticity.

9. Conclusion

Being and Time remains a foundational but challenging text that transformed modern philosophy.

Recommended for: Philosophers, graduate students, and scholars of continental thought.

10. Other Works by the Same Author

  • Introduction to Metaphysics
  • The Question Concerning Technology
  • What Is Called Thinking?

11. Similar Books by Other Authors

  • Edmund Husserl – Ideas
  • Jean-Paul Sartre – Being and Nothingness
  • Søren Kierkegaard – Fear and Trembling

12. References (only if external works are cited)

  • Heidegger, M. (1927) Being and Time
  • Husserl, E. (1913) Ideas
  • Sartre, J.-P. (1943) Being and Nothingness
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