Forms of Transcendence: Heidegger and Medieval Mystical Theology (S U N Y Series in Contemporary Continental Philosophy) (Hardcover)

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Product Description

This book sets up a dialogue between Heidegger and four medieval authors: St. Bonaventure, Meister Eckhart, Johannes Tauler, and Jan van Ruusbroec. Through a close reading of medieval and Heideggerian texts, the book brings to light elements that present possibilities for a revised appropriation of some traditional metaphysical and theological ideas, arguing that, in spite of Heidegger's critique of "ontotheology," many aspects of his thought make a positive, and not exclusively critical, contribution.

Unlike some past studies of the relation between Heidegger and medievalmysticism, this book seeks to establish a real identity between the content, the subject-matter (Sache), of the medieval and Heideggerian texts that it examines. In so doing, it challenges Heidegger's own assertion that what he calls "being" cannot be called God. Against this assertation, Sikka argues that what is to be called God remains an open question, and points out metaphysical and theological elements in Heidegger's reflections on being that help to answer this question. Offering new insights into the relation between metaphysics, theology, and mysticism, the book contributes not only to Heidegger studies but to philosophical theology as well.

About the Author

Sonya Sikka is Assistant Professor of Philosophy at the University of Ottawa.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 308 pages
• Publisher: State University of New York Press (June 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0791433455
• ISBN-13: 978-0791433454
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
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• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #3,163,766 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)