Customer Reviews

Heidegger: An Introduction

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As a professional philosopher who has been interested in Heidegger for years but who does not focus on this subject, I have found Polt's book among the most helpful, especially in approaching the later Heidegger, which has been much more of an enigma to me than the Heidegger of Being and Time. Polt does not pretend to ignore difficulties, nor is his approach "analytic" (unless this means "clear"). Too long Heidegger has suffered from acolytes who aspire to imitate his style. Polt's approach is that of a teacher, a very good one, which is to say, he helps one make progress on one's own with the subject itself.

Richard Polt has done the readers of Heidegger - especially those beginning their journey into Heidegger's work - an exemplary service in writing this book. It is not only exceptionally clear throughout, but is also unusual in discussing the totality of Heidegger's work, and not just <Being and Time>. If you know little or nothing about Heidegger's philosophy, Polt's book is the place to start. If you are well versed in Heidegger's writings, you might contemplate Polt's achievement: an accessible book that does not talk down to its readers.

I ordered a copy of this book to preview it for possible use in an undergraduate philosophy course. The text surpassed my best hopes. Polt's lucid and engaging explanations give such clear sense and context to Heidegger's work that the murky waters of contemporary continental philosophy can now have meaning even for philosophy undergrads and non-philosophers. Highly recommended for anyone who wants to understand the thought of a singularly interesting but difficult philosopher.

The absolute deluge of introductory Heidegger texts now available in English probably has newcomers' heads spinning with copious torque. Although reading most of these books will doubtlessly illuminate one's understanding of Heidegger's philosophy, keeping to only one or two would probably suffice before diving into "Being and Time." Nonetheless, those without access to a University course or faculty may have to digest multiple books before feeling comfortable in the linguistic quagmire that awaits. In any case, whether reading for curiosity or curriculum, don't miss this excellent and facile introduction by Richard Polt. Like any book on Heidegger, it's no dance in the park. But its delineations, reframings, and voluminous examples simplify beguling concepts without dissolving them. It ranks amongst the easiest to follow of all Heidegger introductions. Very little previous knowledge is assumed, though of course any would help.

Polt doesn't waste time. Chapter 1, "The Question," dives right into the central inquiry: the meaning of Being. He even provides a framework that anticipates later Heidegger by beginning with another central question: why are there beings rather than nothing? It turns out that Being (Polt follows the standard capitalization scheme) sits square in the middle of this seemingly trite query. History or "historicity" also plays a vital role when discussing "Being." Philosophizing and history should interweave. This short chapter sets the stage for the section on Heidegger's magnum opus. But before delving into the riddling text of "Being and Time," Polt discusses the roots of the question of Being in Heidegger's biography. Two main influences receive detailed attention: Dilthey and his historical and hermenuetical ideas, and Husserl's phenomenological method. Polt sees "Being and Time" as a perfect synthesis between these two thinkers.

Next, the book provides an exhaustive and unique outline of "Being and Time." It covers every section of Heidegger's masterpiece except 45 and 61. And it goes in order, starting with section 1 (the first introduction) all the way through Division II, which ends at section 83. Reading Polt's book thus mirrors reading "Being and Time" itself. In fact, the two would be best read in parallel. Throughout Polt's book, numerous examples and explanations, and even a few diagrams, elucidate difficult concepts and terminology. Though no glossary is included, like in some other introductory books, the index and structure of the book facilitate comprehension of the daunting vocabulary. This section presents the entire story. Even the most opaque (and often derided) sections of "Being and Time" receive attention. Those looking for an easy reference should look no further.

But it doesn't stop there. After covering Divisions I and II of "Being and Time," Polt provides an outline of "Late Heidegger." This "Phase" began roughly following the 1927 publication of "Being and Time." Heidegger began to question his early work and, though sticking to the question of Being, reformulated his approach significantly. Polt provides background information and sketches of many famous essays, including: "What is Metaphysics?" "On the Essence of Truth," "Introduction To Metaphysics," "The Origin of the Work of Art," the mind-boggling "Contributions to Philosophy," "Letter on Humanism" (where Heidegger distinguishes himself from "existentialism"), and "The Question Concerning Technology." This late period defies summary, and Polt doesn't pretend to offer one. But his delineations will nonetheless help guide readers through some of Heidegger's most difficult late work. During this period Heidegger discusses "earth," poetry, and the historical development of Being. In the end, Heidegger's influence remains strong, though Polt sees it, and philosophy, as a constantly fluctuating and cyclical act of interpretation.

Also, those thirsting for tidbits on Heidegger's "naughty side" will not go away disappointed. Polt covers the era of Nazism and even the question whether it contaminates Heidegger's philosophy. One omission may strike current readers: this book came out in 1999, the same year as Safranski's acclaimed biography, so Polt obviously doesn't reference that now pivotal work. But Polt includes plenty of juicy biography.

This book arguably provides one of the best introductions to Heidegger in English. It doesn't shy away from controversies or difficulties. It's also clearly written. Any beginner should have no trouble following the text. But clarity doesn't imply ease. The complexities and new perspectives of Heidegger's philosophy simply take time and work to sink in. Luckily, Polt's incredible introduction to Heidegger will make this much easier.

I have read this book twice. I have read several other intro books on Heidegger but this one is the clearest without simplifying Heideggers work.

I took an independent study of Being and Time with a professor who has a Heidegger scholar last semester and he recommended this book as something to read along side the text. I didn't use it for most of the first division of the text, but once I picked it up, I immediately wished I had done so earlier.

Polt clarifies and de-mystifies Heidegger's language without sacrificing any of the complexity of his thought. Polt takes you through the book section by section (grouped under major concepts), giving examples, clarifying terminology, and making additional notes on the thorny process of translating from German to English. Overall, Polt's account is incredibly helpful, even if you already feel you have a decent grasp on the original text itself.

Also, to the reviewer who gave this book a one-star rating: Polt has a Ph.D. from Chicago, and teaches courses on existentialism, Greek philosophy, Heidegger, German idealism, and time. How is he supposed to be classified as "analytic/anglo-american?" And I would be interested to see how your _Being and Time_ that is SO innovative and striking as to render Polt's obsolete.

Being and Time is a difficult read, even for people who are accustomed to reading dense works. This book will help you understand Heidegger, therefore I highly recommend it.

This truly is one of the better introductory guides to Being and Time. Dreyfus' book is very good, but I think this one is much better suited to a beginner. Polt has not assumed ANY prior philosophical experience, much less specific knowledge of Heidegger's key influences. Polt also provides a refreshingly straightforward and clear explanation of key ideas that should be accessible to any thoughtful undergraduate student. Most secondary books on Heidegger are a waste of time for the beginner, but this is a wonderful exception. I recommend it not only to general readers but also to teachers as a good secondary text in courses. Needless to say, it's best read WITH Being and Time, rather than as a substitute.

Polt's book, in my opinion, is the only secondary text that allows one to 'easily' access B&T (it also covers Heidegger's later thought, but, let's admit it, B&T is what made him one of the best). There are other commentaries out there (by Dreyfus, Mulhall, Gelven), however, none of them are as good as Polt in introducing Heidegger's project.

This is a superb introduction to Heidegger...particularly to his magnum opus, _Being and Time_.

Ignore whoever is still operating under "analytic" / "continental" categories...it's a silly critique and doesn't have much substance. Polt's book is superb, particularly on Division 1 of H's _B&T_. It is a bit weaker on Division 2 of B&T (I suggest supplementing with Gelven...who is a bit weak on Division 1).

I think in the coming years this book will be invaluable as it gives the reader a key to unlocking Heidegger.