Date: Mon, 8 May 1995 16:34:13 -0500 (CDT)
From: jlelson-AT-utdallas.edu
Subject: A critical, fundamental question about H.'s thought



In response to Lois Shawver, Bunkerphil-AT-aol.com wrote:
> 
> Getting started is a problem.
>  
> You can probably read some of the later stuff profitably without knowing
> Being and Time.  Say, "Introduction to Metaphysics"
>  

Lois' post has prompted me to ask a question that has been troubling
me for some time.  I've been perusing on Heidegger's works for about 3
years now.  It's my understanding that H considered that philosophy
made a fundamental mistake by "forgetting" the ontological difference
bewteen Being and the quality of "is-ness" which is characteristic of
all beings.  No problem at this point.

What I find particulary problematic in H.'s thought is highlisghted by
his reading of Nietzsche as the "last metaphysician" in whose works
"nothing remains of Being as such."  I concur that in N.'s hands, 
nothing does remain of "Being as such" since N. sees that as the most
empty of all notions/concepts.

I have often been tempted to ask if "does Heidegger's emphasis upon Being   
entail that he continues to believe in grammar?"  To what degree is
this emphasis of he determined/conditioned/informed by his theism?
I ask these questions since I do think H. ever adequately addressed 
them or considered the possibility that N. might be correct about
the notion/concept of Being.  


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