The Ubiquity of the Finite: Hegel, Heidegger, and the Entitlements of Philosophy (Studies in Contemporary German Social Thought) [Paperback]

Dennis J. Schmidt (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 14, 1990 | ISBN-10: 0262691396 | ISBN-13: 978-0262691390

What are the assumptions and tasks hidden in contemporary calls to "overcome" the metaphysical tradition? Reflecting upon the internal contradictions of the notions of "tradition" and "finiteness," Dennis J. Schmidt offers novel insights into how philosophy must relate to its traditions if it is to retain a vital sense of the plurality of "edges" that constitute its finiteness. He does this through a close examination of issues found in the work of Hegel and Heidegger, two philosophers who made the ideas of both tradition and finiteness the center of their concern.Schmidt begins by asking how Heidegger can claim to have destroyed metaphysics despite Hegel's claim to have perfected its possibilities. Systematically following the development of Heidegger's critique of Hegel, Schmidt generates a dialogue between them. The topic of that dialogue is the nature of finiteness as it is articulated in time, nothing, the dialectical and hermeneutical circles, and in the notions of experience, work, technology, history, and preSocratic thought.Beginning with Heidegger's critique of Hegel in Being and Time, Schmidt's strategy is to disclose the complexities of philosophical discourse about the finite by drawing out the proximities between Hegel and Heidegger. The dialogue that results presents novel portraits of both philosophers. It also reveals that Heidegger's early, unacknowledged failure to separate himself from the Hegelian dialectic is the motive behind many of the turns and decisions of his later career.In concluding, Schmidt offers an interpretation of the wider significance of the results of that dialogue, and connects his study to other contemporary discussions of postmodernism. He expands upon the idea of the plurality of edges opened by finiteness, arguing that philosophy only understands its own past and future once it recognizes the meaning of its own finiteness.Dennis J. Schmidt is Associate Professor of Philosophy at the State University of New York at Binghamton. The Ubiquity of the Finite is included in the series Studies in Contemporary German Social Thought, edited by Thomas McCarthy.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This book makes an essential and provocative contribution to the ongoing inquiry into the theme of the inifinite and the finite in recent philosophy" Joseph P. Fell, Bucknell University"A fruitful analysis of finitude as conceived by Hegel and Heidegger, and a probing discussion of what 'the end of philosophy' meant for each." Joan Stambaugh, Hunter College

Product Details

• Paperback: 264 pages
• Publisher: The MIT Press (March 14, 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0262691396
• ISBN-13: 978-0262691390
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,580,683 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good, concise, thorough, insightful, March 18, 2001

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Trust Your Destiny (None of Your Business) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Ubiquity of the Finite: Hegel, Heidegger, and the Entitlements of Philosophy (Studies in Contemporary German Social Thought) (Paperback)

A good and thorough beginning to the study of Heidegger. Well written and argued, very persuasive. Recommended for interested readers in post-Kantian continental philosophy.

2 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A clear and helpful analysis of a difficult topic, January 11, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: The Ubiquity of the Finite: Hegel, Heidegger, and the Entitlements of Philosophy (Studies in Contemporary German Social Thought) (Paperback)

Schmidt writes clearly and analytically about texts not readily understandable.