Let's deg deeper with Heidegger

Join Us as we progress further down the Rabbit Hole!

Our previous meeting was a terrific discussion!
I have to say each of these meetup meetings has been transformative for me. Preparing for the meetings forces me to articulate what I am learning about these philosophers, and, through our conversations I am opened up to new perspectives.
So far, we have studied Nietzsche, Deleuze, McLuhan, Chomsky, and Simone Weil. I had never heard of Simone Weil before listening to the episodes in the podcast, and I was struck by her unwavering commitment to living out her philosophy. Her dedication to taking action consistent with her beliefs is truly impressive and serves as a model for us as we face challenges in our own turbulent times. Weil offers a path to live as rational modern humans while also accessing the mysticism of being.

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Why Heidegger?
As we continue to build toward our discussion of Keiji Nishitani, we will next explore the philosophy of Martin Heidegger. A common thread among the philosophers we’ve discussed so far is their rejection of a Platonic transcendent realm. Heidegger continues this trend, challenging the traditional separation between subject and object and emphasizing the relational nature of existence.
His ideas profoundly shaped existentialism and phenomenology, and they offer essential groundwork for understanding Nishitani’s unique synthesis of Western and Eastern thought. Nishitani was directly influenced by Heidegger, and some of his ideas can almost be seen as taking Heidegger further—from relational being to the complete dissolution of the ego. To fully appreciate Nishitani’s approach, it helps to first confront Heidegger’s challenge to modernity and his quest to rethink the nature of existence.

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Episodes for Discussion
We will discuss the following episodes from Philosophize This!:

• Episode #100 - Heidegger Pt. 1 - Phenomenology and Dasein
• Episode #101 - Heidegger Pt. 2 - Science and Technology
• Episode #102 - Heidegger Pt. 3 - Authenticity
• Episode #214 - Framing Our Being in a Completely Different Way
• Episode #215 - How Mysticism Is Missing from Our Modern Lives

Episodes 100, 101, and 102 introduce Heidegger’s foundational concepts, such as Being-in-the-World, Authenticity, Being-toward-Death, and his critique of technological thinking. Episode 214 extends that discussion by challenging how technology shapes our way of being, and Episode 215 explores Heidegger’s concept of releasement and its intriguing overlap with mystical experience as discussed in Simon Critchley’s book Mysticism.
Personally, I also see a strong parallel between Heidegger’s ideas and the Buddhist concept of the dissolution of the self—something that will become even more relevant when we move on to Nishitani.

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How to Prepare
All you really need to participate is to listen to the podcasts and bring your ideas, curiosity, and open mind. I also plan to read Heidegger’s Being and Time (or at least the sections on Dasein and Being-toward-Death). I understand that 2.5 weeks is not enough to study Heidegger in any depth. I've found ChatGPT to be quite useful for understanding concepts that are difficult to grasp through the text alone. However, I'm confident that the podcasts alone (with perhaps a few questions to ChatGPT) will provide a sufficient foundation for a great group conversation.
FYI - I recommend that you listen to the podcast episodes as I think that is best way to absorb the information. Be aware though, that the transcripts are also available at the website: Philosophize This transcripts

I'll also send out some 'cliff notes' a day or two before the meeting for those who are signed up to attend. I've brought them to the meetings in the past and I think it would be useful to read them ahead of time.

As always, I’ve limited attendance to ensure a small, engaged group, so sign up early. Look for the bust of Socrates on the table—that’s where we’ll be gathered, wrestling with big ideas and welcoming diverse perspectives.

See you there!