Heidegger

• What is the central focus of Martin Heidegger's philosophy?

  Heidegger's philosophy centers on existential phenomenology, emphasizing the irreducible relationship between the human person and the world, particularly in the context of everyday life.
• What does the concept of "being-able-to-be" denote?

  Being-able-to-be" denotes the freedom each individual has to realize their possibilities, encompassing the potential to shape one's own existence.
• What does the term "Dasein" refer to in Heidegger's philosophy?

  "Dasein" refers to human existence, emphasizing its lack of pre-existing essence and its fundamental relationship with the world.
• What are some examples of Heidegger's existentials?

  Existentials are fundamental tasks that Dasein must fulfill in its existence, such as care, openness, projection, and fallenness.
• How does Heidegger differentiate between the modes of being for objects in our environment?

  Heidegger distinguishes between "ready-to-hand" (zuhanden) and "present-at-hand" (vorhanden) modes of being for objects, based on their practical usefulness and detached observation, respectively.
• Ready-to-hand (zuhanden)

  Objects are understood primarily through their usefulness to Dasein. Their "why" lies in their practical function.
• Present-at-hand (vorhanden)

  Objects are perceived in a detached way, abstracted from their practical utility. This is a more theoretical or observational mode of engagement.
• Existentials

  Fundamental tasks that Dasein must fulfil in its existence.
• Mit-sein

  The fundamental way in which Dasein exists with others. We are never truly isolated; our existence is always shared with other people.
• Das Man

  This term refers to the impersonal "they", representing societal norms and conventions. It signifies how individuals often conform to societal expectations, making true individuality and authenticity challenging.
• What are the three components of openness in Heidegger's philosophy?

  1. Affectivity (passive side of experience)
  2. Understanding (active engagement)
  3. Discourse (ordering our experience through language)
• How is Dasein time-bound according to Heidegger?

  Dasein’s existence is situated within time, integrating past, present, and future into a cohesive whole.
• Thrownness

  We are always already situated in a specific context that we did not choose and must cope with it.
• Projection

  The ability and responsibility to realise one's possibilities and envision a potential future.
• Authenticity

  To live automatically means to genuinely embrace one's existence rather than conforming to societal norms (Das Man)
• Fallenness

  The tendency of Dassein to lose itself in everyday distraction, leading to inauthenticity
• How does Heidegger describe anxiety?

  Anxiety is the oppressive constraint of having to realise oneself, revealing the groundlessness of existence and pushing towards authenticity.
• How does Heidegger understand death?

  Death is a constant presence, the ultimate limit of our temporality and finitude, shaping how we live our lives.
• How does Heidegger redefine truth?

  Truth is temporal and always situated within Dasein's temporal existence, rather than being a static concept.