Heidegger and Heisenberg

Presented by Chris Mechels and Kermit Cole, of the SF Philosophy Meetup.

The impetus for this discussion is from our weekly group, which has been recently revisiting Heidegger's "Being and Time" for the nth time, growing richer as we grow older. Chris was also independently rereading a favorite by Heisenberg; "Physics and Philosophy" and noticed the similarity between the two works, which was news to him. Intrigued, further study ensued, and the commonality was explained. As was perhaps obvious, Werner and Martin were contemporaries. Being and Time dates to 1927, and Werner's work on Quantum Theory to 1925-1927. The problems of "Being" and "Time" were in the air, as they are today, some 100 years later. This should lead to an interesting discussion.

Some works which might be of use; but not required reading.

Heidegger (from The Information Philosopher)

Heisenberg (from The Information Philosopher)

More about Heisenberg (from the blog "Commonplace Philosophy")

Heisenberg's book, "Physics and Philosophy"

The brief talk initiating the discussion will draw upon Chapter X; "Language and Reality in Modern Physics" from Physics and Philosophy, listed above.