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Module Catalogue

PH9GT-30 Heidegger's Being and Time

Department
Philosophy
Level
Taught Postgraduate Level
Module leader
Tobias Keiling
Credit value
30
Module duration
10 weeks
Assessment
100% coursework
Study location
University of Warwick main campus, Coventry

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Introductory description

This module provides an advanced introduction to the philosophy of Martin Heidegger, one of the most influential thinkers in 20th century (continental) philosophy.

Module aims

The principal aim of this module is to provide an advanced introduction to the work of Martin Heidegger. The course is devoted to an in-depth study of Heidegger’s most important book Being and Time (1927). Heidegger here treats a variety of themes defining both his early and later work: while the stated aim of the book is to provide a new account of the meaning of existence or ‘being’, Heidegger’s approach to questions of metaphysics builds on discussions of problems typically located in other areas of philosophy. Along the way to a new answer to the ‘question of being’, Heidegger

  • develops a novel account of intentionality and intentional action;
  • forcefully attacks the traditional notion of truth as correspondence;
  • discusses the problem of scepticism and describes a new ‘hermeneutic’ epistemology;
  • gives a new existentialist account of human life, centred in the idea of our ‘freedom towards death’;
  • argues for the priority of lived time and historical understanding over abstract accounts of time as linear sequence of events.

We will proceed methodically through main sections of the text. Readings from Being and Time will be accompanied by readings from secondary literature and/or more recent (analytic) treatments of related problems.

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

We will not read the sections of Being and Time in strictly chronological order. An alternative route through the book is outlined below. More specific readings for each week will be announced at the beginning and during term.

  1. Things in the World §§ 14-18
  2. Self and Other(s) §§ 25-27
  3. Knowing as Understanding §§ 28-38
  4. Death and Conscience §§ 46-60
  5. To be is to be concerned §§ 39-42, 62-66
    • Reading Week -
  7. Living (in) time, §§ 67-70
  8. Two kinds of Truth § 44
  9. The Question and Method of Ontology §§ 1-7
  10. Being and Time (and the Real) §§ 8, 43, 78-83
Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

  • have a sound and scholarly understanding of Heidegger’s Being and Time.
  • be able to understand and apply key concepts and ideas as they appear in the texts studied.
  • be able to discuss important themes from Heidegger’s philosophy both in seminar discussions and written work.
Indicative reading list

Primary Reading:
Martin Heidegger, Being and Time, trans. Joan Stambaugh, rev. Dennis J. Schmidt (SUNY Press: 1996/2010).
N.B. How to translate Heidegger has been a matter of scholarly debate. We will be using the more recent revised Stambaugh translation, though students may also consult the Macquarrie/Robinson (originally published in 1962).

Secondary Literature:
Wrathall’s How to Read Heidegger is a good a introductory work to read alongside Being and Time. The Cambridge Companion to Heidegger’s Being and Time (edited by Wrathall) contains key research essays on different topics in the book. A compelling reconstruction of Heidegger’s main argument with the help of more recent philosophy is found in Golob’s Heidegger on Concepts, Freedom and Normativity. The pertinent entries in Oxford Bibliographies can help you find further secondary literature.
Mark Wrathall, How to Read Heidegger (Granta Books: 2005).
Mark Wrathall (ed.), The Cambridge Companion to Heidegger’s Being and Time (Cambridge UP: 2013).
Sacha Golob, Heidegger on Concepts, Freedom and Normativity (Cambridge UP: 2014).

Subject specific skills

Close textual reading skills.
Advanced reasoning skills.
Fluency in essay writing.

Transferable skills

Strong presentation skills, verbally and in writing.
Skills in logical and analytical reasoning.
Skills in creative thinking and critical evaluation of ideas and arguments.

Study time

Type Required
Lectures 18 sessions of 1 hour (6%)
Seminars 8 sessions of 1 hour (3%)
Private study 274 hours (91%)
Total 300 hours
Private study description

Private study and essay preparation

Costs

No further costs have been identified for this module.

You must pass all assessment components to pass the module.

Students can register for this module without taking any assessment.

Assessment group A1
Weighting Study time
5000 word essay 100%
Feedback on assessment

Students will have their essays returned with written comments. Students can share or discuss a one-page plan for each essay and will receives either verbal or written comments (as preferred).

Courses

This module is Core option list A for:

  • Year 1 of TPHA-V7P2 Postgraduate Taught Continental Philosophy

This module is Option list A for:

  • Year 1 of TPHA-V7PM Postgraduate Taught Philosophy
  • TPHA-V7PN Postgraduate Taught Philosophy and the Arts
    • Year 1 of V7PN Philosophy and the Arts
    • Year 2 of V7PN Philosophy and the Arts

This module is Option list E for:

  • Year 1 of TPHA-V7PM Postgraduate Taught Philosophy