In Heidegger and the Question of Being, Sean Robinson offers a comprehensive exploration of Martin Heidegger's philosophy, delving into the central issue of his thought: the question of Being. Through a detailed analysis of Heidegger's key works, particularly Being and Time, Robinson investigates how Heidegger redefines the traditional understanding of existence, moving away from abstract metaphysical notions of Being and focusing instead on its existential and ontological implications.
The book charts Heidegger's critique of Western metaphysics, showing how he believes the tradition has obscured the question of Being by reducing it to mere categories, concepts, or objects. Robinson carefully examines Heidegger's novel concepts such as Dasein, being-in-the-world, care, and being-toward-death, emphasizing how these elements shape human existence and our relationship with the world.
As Robinson navigates Heidegger's later thought, the book reflects on how Heidegger's work evolves toward questions of language, technology, and art, particularly his analysis of modern technological enframing and its impact on human freedom and authenticity. The author also highlights Heidegger's philosophical turn, away from human-centered existentialism to an ontological focus on the unfolding of Being itself through historical and cultural processes.
By tracing Heidegger's philosophical journey and his profound impact on contemporary thought, Heidegger and the Question of Being provides a deep, accessible, and critical insight into Heidegger's attempt to answer the fundamental question of existence and our place within the world. Robinson's work is both an introduction and a deep dive into one of the most influential philosophers of the 20th century.
