Customer Reviews

Heidegger on Ontotheology: Technology and the Politics of Education

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Thomson's groundbreaking study skillfully combines (1) a rigorous philosophical analysis of the foundations of Heidegger's later philosophy, (2) a convincing historical reconstruction of the link between Heidegger's philosophy and his infamous involvement with Nazism, and (3) a demonstration of the continuing relevance of Heidegger to the contemporary crisis of purpose in higher education. The book is informative, meticulous, and beautifully- written. It is philosophically substantive without bogging the reader down in minutiae, serious without being turgid. Thomson writes in a clear and crisp style that is a joy to read, and he has much to say that is of interest -- not only to students of Heidegger, but to anyone concerned with the future of the university and, indeed, civilization as a whole. Students of the history of philosophy will find here one of the best available introductions to the Later Heidegger. Weary veterans of the controversy over Heidegger's politics should welcome Thomson's moderate position as a sensible and much-needed attempt at mediation between the warring factions. Disspirited culture-warriors will find new food for thought and discussion in Thomson's suggestions regarding how we might apply Heidegger's best insights to rejuvenate the university and society. This book is a veritable feast for the mind. Once I started reading, I couldn't put it down!

I am not a philosopher, but have been studying Heidegger, especially the secondary literature, for many decades. This superb work may not be for the first-time reader of Heidegger's thought, but it is so lucid and well-organized that although for me it required careful, "slow" reading, it should be quite accessible to anyone who is even superficially acquainted with that thought; it would also be invaluable to the more experienced reader. Paradoxically, it is introductory in a sense, yet advanced. The book clarifies key issues in Heidegger's later thought, ones that typically are passed over in the other critiques I know. It carefully explains and explores his key term, "ontotheology"; usefully contributes to the already available voluminous discussions of "technological" or "calculative" thinking (roughly: "Gestell"); in the context of university education examines in great detail Heidegger's proposed alternatives to that calculative thinking; and, contributes thoughtfully to the many already available extensive debates and discussions pertaining to Heidegger's role in the Nazi regime. Furthermore, the author obviously is sensitive to and considerate of the reader's plight in understanding complex, difficult, highly non-standard material, and expands on major and minor points in highly useful, clear, well-organized ways. Obviously, I am much taken with this work--something that does not happen to me very often!

This book is a fantastic contribution to the vast array of books on Heidegger's thought. It shows the development of his philosophy over time and his confrontation with the tragedy of Nazism in a positive way, rather than re-hashing dry debates over whether or not in condemns his project as a whole. The book flows very well and Thomson presents his arguments wonderfully. The points are explained lucidly and in depth, and he makes sure to integrate the each one into the overall thesis of the book. The organization of the sections is superb, his writing is clear, manageable, and yet still revealing, and the topics that are covered in the book fit into a cohesive whole that forms a powerful critique of our post-modern age.

In sum, I highly recommend this book to any who are grappling with Heidegger's thought.

-G.

As a student studying Heidegger, this book provides a lot of helpful insight that one doesn't find from simply reading Being and Time. The author does a great job of defending the current objections to Heidegger's philosophy by breaking down all of the arguments and holding them against a more complete and accurate interpretation of Heidegger.