Description
Book SynopsisMartin Heidegger is perhaps the twentieth century's greatest philosopher, and his work stimulated much that is original and compelling in modern thought. A seductive classroom presence, he attracted Germany's brightest young intellects during the 1920s. Many were Jews, who ultimately would have to reconcile their philosophical and, often, personal
Trade Review"Provocative and erudite... [Wolin] provide[s] insightful portraits of the intellectual evolution of some of the last century's most ambitious political and social thinkers. His case against Heidegger's children sets a clear standard for those who wish to adopt an informed but cautious stance toward Heidegger's immense influence."--James Ryerson, New York Times Book Review "Anyone tempted to introduce Heidegger into the conversation should read this fascinating study."--Lesley Chamberlain, Independent "A thought-provoking and illuminating look at Heidegger's legacy... Wolin's thesis grasps the profound and pervasive connection between Heidegger's thinking and the Holocaust itself."--Choice
Table of ContentsPreface to the New Paperback Edition xi Preface xlix PROLOGUE "Todesfuge" and "Todtnauberg" 1 ONE Introduction: Philosophy and Family Romance 5 TWO The German-Jewish Dialogue: Way Stations of Misrecognition 21 THREE Hannah Arendt: Kultur, "Thoughtlessness," and Polis Envy 30 FOUR Karl Lowith: The Stoic Response to Modern Nihilism 70 FIVE Hans Jonas: The Philosopher of Life 101 SIX Herbert Marcuse: From Existential Marxism to Left Heideggerianism 134 SEVEN Arbeit Macht Frei: Heidegger As Philosopher of the German "Way" 173 EXCURSUS Being and Time: A Failed Masterpiece? 203 Conclusion 233 Notes 239 Index 271
