The Metaphysical Foundations of Logic (Studies in Phenomenology and Existential Philosophy) [Hardcover]

Martin Heidegger (Author), Michael Henry Heim (Translator, Designer)

Book Description

Series: Studies in Phenomenology and Existential Philosophy | Publication Date: July 1984

Offering a full-scale study of the theory of reality hidden beneath modern logic, The Metaphysical Foundations of Logic, a lecture course given in 1928, illuminates the transitional phase in Heidegger's thought from the existential analysis of Being and Time to the overcoming of metaphysics in his later philosophy. In a searching exposition of the metaphysical problems underpinning Leibniz's theory of logical judgment, Heidegger establishes that a given theory of logic is rooted in a certain conception of Being. He explores the significance of Western logic as a system-building technical tool and as a cultural phenomenon that is centuries old.

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

Review

""... the most detailed statement of Heidegger's reflections on logic available in English." —Graduate Faculty Philosophy Journal

"Heim's excellent translation is eminently readable." —Canadian Philosophical Review

"All in all, an extraordinary book." —David Farrell Krell" —

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: German

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 241 pages
• Publisher: Indiana University Press (July 1984)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0253337836
• ISBN-13: 978-0253337832
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #609,762 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Heidegger reads Leibniz, February 12, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: The Metaphysical Foundations of Logic (Studies in Phenomenology and Existential Philosophy) (Hardcover)

The first half or so of this book is what makes it worthwhile. There we find Heidegger's best sustained discussion of Leibniz. To be sure, there are other discussions of Leibniz scattered throughout Heidegger's work (most notably in "The Principle of Reason") but here we find him attempting to elucidate Leibniz's metaphysics, not discuss aspects of Leibniz's work in connection with a broader theme. Heidegger's style of reading makes for excellent introductions to the thinkers he discusses. It's ironic that a writer who has a reputation for obtuseness and impenetrability can produce vividly clear discussions of other thinkers. It should be noted that Heidegger's "Die Frage nach dem Ding" (the English translation, long and sadly out of print, went by the name "What is a Thing?") is one of the best introductory books on Kant in any language. But Heidegger's approach: cut straight to the "question of Being" and show how the rest of a philosopher's work fits in with his basic metaphysical position, makes for a clear and striking interpretation, even if Leibniz scholars might find it a little over-aggressive in some details.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Excellent introduction to Heidgger's thinking about Technology, December 4, 2005

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Savigny (Red Hook, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Metaphysical Foundations of Logic (Studies in Phenomenology and Existential Philosophy) (Hardcover)

This is an essential series of lectures to understand the importance of science and specifically of Leibniz's principle of sufficient reason in Heidegger's later thought. It provides the basis for any inquiry into technology which, in Heidegger's thought, is the latest development of scientific metaphysics. It is also the basis for recent studies of law like Roger Berkowitz's The Gift of Science: Leibniz and the Modern Legal Tradition.

0 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The great philosophy., September 7, 2008

By 

Hajime Jozuka "The Doctor of Village" (Japan) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Metaphysical Foundations of Logic (Studies in Phenomenology and Existential Philosophy) (Paperback)

The book entitled "Psychoneuroimmunopathology and Daseinsanalysis" is to be published and to be available in Amazon.com. The studies in the book was referred his philosophy. I felt he is the greatest philosophist.