Essential Philosophers and Texts to Read Before Diving into Heidegger

When approaching the works of Martin Heidegger, it is often beneficial to familiarize oneself with the fundamental ideas and theories that have influenced his philosophy. This article outlines a recommended reading list and approach to understanding the intellectual context of Heidegger's work. By exploring the works of key philosophers such as Kant, Nietzsche, Husserl, and others, readers can gain a deeper insight into the philosophical underpinnings of Heidegger's complex and influential ideas.

Core Philosophical Influences on Heidegger

The philosophical landscape that Martin Heidegger navigated was deeply shaped by the works and ideas of several key thinkers. Before delving into Heidegger's Being and Time or his exploration of Sein und Zeit, it is crucial to understand the foundation laid by these influential thinkers. The following list includes some of the most important philosophers whose works intersect with Heidegger's and why they are essential to study.

1. Immanuel Kant (Critique of Pure Reason)

Immanuel Kant's Critique of Pure Reason lays the groundwork for many existential and phenomenological ideas that Heidegger engages with. Kant's exploration of metaphysics and epistemology is a critical starting point for understanding the foundational questions about the nature of knowledge and reality.

2. Friedrich Nietzsche (Thus Spoke Zarathustra, Beyond Good and Evil)

Friedrich Nietzsche plays a significant role in shaping the existential philosophy that Heidegger would later develop. His critiques of traditional morality, the concept of the 'will to power,' and the idea of the übermensch are foundational to understanding Heidegger's analyses of existence and the human condition.

3. Edmund Husserl (Ideas Pertaining to a Pure Phenomenology)

Edmund Husserl, the founder of phenomenology, is essential for grasping the phenomenological method. His ideas about consciousness and intentionality are crucial for understanding Heidegger's existential and ontological investigations. Husserl's work provides the analytical tools necessary to approach the study of being.

4. S?ren Kierkegaard (Fear and Trembling)

S?ren Kierkegaard explores existence, subjectivity, and faith, providing a backdrop for Heidegger's existential concerns. Kierkegaard's writings emphasize individual experience and the tension between the ethical and the religious, which are central themes in Heidegger's later philosophy.

5. Friedrich Schelling (Philosophical Investigations into the Essence of Human Freedom)

Friedrich Schelling's ideas about freedom and existence are relevant to Heidegger's thoughts on being and nothingness. His work on the relationship between the individual and the world can shed light on Heidegger's concept of Dasein.

6. G.W.F. Hegel (Phenomenology of Spirit)

G.W.F. Hegel's dialectical method and his views on consciousness and self-awareness have a profound influence on Heidegger's approach to the question of being. Hegel's exploration of historical and subjective consciousness is a precursor to Heidegger's own investigations into temporal and existentiale being.

7. Aristotle (Metaphysics)

Aristotle's concept of being and his categories provide a historical context for Heidegger's later explorations of ontology. Aristotle's thought sets the stage for the metaphysical considerations that Heidegger revisits and reinterprets.

8. Martin Buber (I and Thou)

Martin Buber's relational philosophy can help frame Heidegger's ideas about being-in-the-world and the nature of relationships. Buber's focus on the "I-Thou" relationship is a key component of Heidegger's existential analyses, which stress the importance of direct, personal engagement with the world.

Recommended Reading Approach

With these key philosophers in mind, a recommended reading approach is as follows:

Step 1: Start with Kant and Nietzsche

Begin by studying Immanuel Kant and Friedrich Nietzsche to grasp the foundational modern philosophical landscape. This will provide a necessary background for the existential and phenomenological inquiries that follow.

Step 2: Move to Husserl

Next, delve into the phenomenological method by studying Edmund Husserl. His work on consciousness and intentionality is crucial for understanding Heidegger's existential analysis.

Step 3: Explore Kierkegaard and Hegel

For a deeper dive into existential and dialectical insights, explore S?ren Kierkegaard and G.W.F. Hegel. These authors will provide a rich context for understanding the existential and dialectical dimensions of Heidegger's philosophy.

Step 4: Finish with Aristotle and Schelling

To solidify your understanding of the concept of being and the connection between existence and existential being, study Aristotle and Friedrich Schelling. These authors will help clarify the historical and ontological foundations of Heidegger's thought.

Additional Tips

For additional context, consider reading introductory texts or secondary literature on Heidegger. Engaging with commentaries on Heidegger's major works, such as Being and Time or Sein und Zeit, can enhance your understanding and provide a more comprehensive framework for appreciating Heidegger's ideas.

By taking this approach, you will be well-prepared to engage with the complexities of Heidegger's thought and his exploration of being, time, and existence. This foundational knowledge will not only enrich your understanding but also deepen your appreciation of Heidegger's contributions to modern philosophy.