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On Heidegger's Nazism and Philosophy

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This well written and closely argued book is a stringent criticism of Heidegger's philosophy and its relation to his notorious embrace of Nazism. Rockmore argues that Heidegger's involvement with the Nazis was hardly the result of personal quirks or coercion but rather a product of his philosophical preoccupations. Rockmore bases his conclusions on a careful reading of the relevant texts, analysis of the main features of Heidegger's thought, and relevant historical background. For example, while Heidegger liked to present his thought as a recovery of the insights of pre-Socratic Greek thinkers, Rockmore shows that Heidegger was influenced by the racist and anti-rationalist Volkish ideologies prevalent in Germany. Rockmore's case is well argued and others, notably Heidegger's recent biographer, Rudiger Safranski, reach identical conclusions. It is clear as well that Heidegger abandoned overt Nazism not because of any real ethical concerns but rather because the Nazis would not accomodate Heidegger's ideas for how German society and education should be run. This book also contains damning criticism of the individuals who have defended Heidegger; including members of Heidegger's family who have apparently restricted access to potentially damaging documents; Heidegger's disciples, some of whom have attempted remarkable ways to explain away Heidegger's Nazism; and a number of other philosophers who seem to be unable to stomach the fact that the person they trumpet as the great thinker of the 20th century was a Nazi. Heidegger emerges as a brilliant and remarkably egotistical man inhumanly dedicated to the pursuit of a small set of ideas, some of which may be great insights, but literally careless of human rights, human dignity, and the physical suffering of the great majority of humanity. One criticism of Rockmore's book is that Rockmore, though usually very careful with terminology, is sloppy about use of the term Nazi. Rockmore argues that Heidegger, after his withdrawal from overt Nazism, remained dedicated to an "ideal Nazism". It would be better to restrict the use of term Nazism to the actual acts and (often contradictory) programs of the Nazis. As Rockmore shows clearly, Heidegger was preoccupied throughout his life with ideas that were anti-humanist, anti-democratic, and Volkish in character. This puts Heidegger in the same general category as the Nazis but referring to "ideal Nazism" is a bit confusing.

Tom Rockmore has radically overturned 20th century philosophy models by challenging Martin Heidegger head-on.

Most famous writers of 20th century philosophy imitate Heidegger's terms, 'in-the-world,' and 'them' and other aspects of his existentialism. Heidegger's Nazi affiliations are most often swept under the rug and even today many of his writings are kept secret by his Estate.

Tom Rockmore courageously joins the battle to expose Heidegger as a Nazi thinker -- and not as an unwilling Nazi participant as his followers like to soft-soap these issues. But Dr. Rockmore is not seeking sensationalism or merely political battles, rather, he is an erudite philosopher himself with some penetrating insights into the origins and weaknesses of Heidegger's positions on the issues.

The 20th century is filled with defenses of Heidegger the man and the writer. His nakedness is praised as beautiful attire by some of the key writers of the past century. Tom Rockmore has performed a revolutionary act by exposing this nakedness and hypocrisy, not only politically but in the realm of theory.

This is one of the most interesting books available on 20th century philosophy.

Excellent exposé of the person and their inseperable philosophical and political beliefs.

This puts Heidegger in the correct context of his position relative to Nazism, that is, an integral part of the greatest act of capitalist criminality in the 20th century and not, as has been said many times elsewhere, an unwilling participant in the whole "accidental" tragedy.

It says something about the charade called the denazification that Heidegger was allowed so much free reign after, what is euphemistically called the second world war, was brought to a close, with the unexpected crushing of western state capitalism by the USSR.

Regards,

Martyn R Jones
http://www.itspolitics.com/feuerbach/index.htm

Much discourse on Heidegger finds seeming grounds to separate the man from the philosophy, but Rockmore, in reviewing the crucial parts and pieces of the case, makes a strong case for the intrinsic connection of the Heideggerian philosophy to the philosopher's Nazism. The point should be obvious from the context of the times, Heidegger's conservative demeanour and the latent confusions of anti-liberal culture already effecting Nietzsche. The book focus on a detailed analysis of the famour Rector address, then follow the trail through to the attempt by Heidegger to disengage himself from his prior affirmations. One can waste a lot of time on sophistries here, and, while the value of the philosophy might endures in a question, the fixation of the typical discourse here deserves this careful review of the prosecutor.