Introductory description

This module provides an introduction to the philosophy of Martin Heidegger (1889-1976), one of the most influential thinkers in 20th century philosophy. His epoch-making 'Being and Time (1927)' is a key text of philosophical existentialism, laying out Heidegger's thinking of human existence, mortality, and authenticity. The module will cover key ideas from 'Being and Time' as well as Heidegger's contributions to a range of philosophical topics: metaphysics, action theory, social ontology, aesthetics, and the philosophy of technology.

Module aims

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.

Week 1 Introduction: Life and Works

A contextual introduction to the personal and intellectual biography of Martin Heidegger, including his temporary support of Nazi politics and what it means for studying his philosophy

Week 2 Heidegger before 'Being and Time'

Several key ideas of Heidegger's thought emerge very early in his career. We look at his notion of phenomenology as philosophy of "lived experience" in particular.

Week 3 The Being Question

This week focuses on the metaphysical project of 'Being and Time', sketched in the introduction of the book.

Week 4 Being-in-the-World I: Intentionality and Action

Heidegger develops novel answers to key problems in the philosophy of mind. This week will focus on the theory of consciousness and his account of action.

Week 5 Being-in-the World II: Heidegger’s Social Ontology

'Being and Time' provides a novel social philosophy that is critical of dominant views such as social contract theory. One's being an individual person should not be the starting point of theory, but must be understood as a difficult achievement.

Week 6 READING WEEK

Week 7 Being-in-the World III: Death and Authenticity

How to confront one's mortality is a key question for Heidegger. 'Being and Time' argues that there are two fundamentally different ways of doing this, one "authentic", one "inauthentic".

Week 8 Hölderlin, or the Promise of Art

This week examines Heidegger's aesthetics, which emphasizes the transformative potential, the "truth" of art.

Week 9 Dwelling, or the Question of the Human

Heidegger philosophy changed radically after World War II. This week will focus on his rejection of contemporary "humanist" philosophies such as Sartre's and Heidegger's alternative account of the human being as "dweller".

Week 10 The Danger of Technology

Heidegger was a radial critic of modern technology, in particular information technology or "cybernetics." We will examine his understanding of technology and discuss the continued relevance of Heidegger's ideas.

Learning outcomes

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

• discuss important themes from Heidegger’s philosophy and examples of its development, influence, and reception
• acquire further knowledge and understanding of the philosophy of Martin Heidegger, derived from engagement with primary and secondary source materials
• independently increase their knowledge and understanding of topics in philosophical fields such as metaphysics, existentialism, philosophy of mind, action theory, aesthetics, and more
• further improve their skills and abilities in close reading and analysis of primary and secondary source texts
• further improve the quality of their academic writing, including skills in organisation and presentation of written work
• further improve their skills and abilities in critical reflecting on their knowledge and understanding
• better develop and defend an argument in support of their conclusions
• independently identify and develop an interesting and relevant question for further study and research
• provide a competent answer to such a question drawing on other relevant skills

Indicative reading list

Martin Heidegger, Being and Time, trans. Macquarrie/Robinson (Blackwell, 1962)

Martin Heidegger, Basic Writings, ed. David Farrell Krell (Routledge, 2010)

The Heidegger Reader, ed. Günter Figal (Indiana, 2009)

Students are encouraged to buy a copy of Being and Time, which is likely to be available as cheap (used) copies. But all readings will be made available via Talis as well.

Secondary Literature:

Mark Wrathall, How to Read Heidegger (Granta Books, 2005)

Mark Wrathall (ed.), The Cambridge Companion to Heidegger’s Being and Time (Cambridge, 2013)

Aaron James Wendland/Tobias Keiling (eds.), The Cambridge Critical Guide to Heidegger's Being and Time (Cambridge, 2025)

Mark Wrathall (ed.), The Cambridge Heidegger Lexicon(Cambridge, 2021)

Sonia Sikka, Heidegger, Morality and Politics (Cambridge, 2018)

Sacha Golob, Heidegger on Concepts, Freedom and Normativity (Cambridge UP, 2014)

Charlotte Knowles, "Reponsibility in Cases of Structural and Personal Complicity: A Phenomenological Analysis", The Monist 2021, 224–237

Irene McMullin, Time and the Shared World (Northwestern UP, 2013)

Béatrice Han-Pile, "Freedom and the 'Choice to Choose Oneself' in Being and Time", in: Wrathall (ed.), The Cambridge Companion to Heidegger's Being and Time (Cambridge UP, 2013), 291-319

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.