Heidegger and Politics - by Andrea Conque (Hardcover)

About the Book

Turning Heidegger's own thought against his belief in National Socialism, this book offers a politics based on foundational philosophical elements in his most influential work, Being and Time.

Book Synopsis

One of the most influential philosophers of the twentieth century, Martin Heidegger is also notorious for having taken a political and philosophical path that led to Nazism, support for a Führer state, and an agonal attitude toward space and place in politics. Yet, there was another path open to him- one found in the pages of Heidegger's master work, Being and Time (1927). This alternate path is based on the structures of care that are not only readily apparent in Being and Time, but prove essential to forging a better understanding of democracy and of political community. Heidegger and Politics: Nazism, Care, and the Future of Democracy begins by tracing the politico-philosophical path Heidegger actually took, then turns to shaping a robust vision of a 'politics of care' from key elements in Being and Time presenting it as a way to resist the 'politics of contempt.'

Review Quotes

Dr. Conque's book is an insightful, clear, well researched, and thoughtfully presented investigation of a 'politics of care' in Heidegger's Being and Time. It is a must read both for those who are interested in a balanced account of Heidegger and politics and for those who seek an alternative to the current 'politics of degradation and blame and authoritarianism.'

About the Author

Andrea Conque, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, USA