Heidegger on Language and Death: The Intrinsic Connection in Human Existence (Continuum Studies in Continental Philosophy, 65)

Martin Heidegger was one of the most influential philosophers of the 20th century. His analysis of human existence proves an inexhaustible ground for thinkers of all backgrounds who seek answers for their specific questions left open or opened up by our times. This book explores the intrinsic connection between two fundamentally human traits, language and death. Heidegger addresses each of these traits in depth, without ever explicitly outlining their relationship in a separate theory. However, in a close examination of Heidegger's magnum opus, Being and Time, Joachim L. Oberst uncovers a connection in three basic steps. Ultimately the author argues that the human invention of language is motivated by the drive towards immortality - language emerges from the experience of mortality as a response to it. This is a refreshing look at one of the most challenging and influential philosophers of our times. Introduction : Death's Impact On Existence Is Language -- Religious-philosophical Implications Of Heidegger's Concept Of Death : Traces Of Paul And Bultmann In Heidegger -- Heidegger On The Origin Of Language In Being And Time -- The Legacy Of Herder In Heidegger's Language Origin Theory : How Heidegger Ontologized Herder -- The Birth Of Language As Language Of Death : Death As The Birthplace Of Language -- The (linguistic) Awakening Of Spirit In The Presence Of Death : A Heideggerian Reading Of Hegel's Conception Of Language -- Walter Benjamin : An Unacknowledged Predecessor Of Martin Heidegger -- Heidegger's Parmenides : The Journey To Truth As The Emergence Of Language Into Immortality. Joachim L. Oberst. Includes Bibliographical References And Index. Martin Heidegger was one of the most influential philosophers of the 20th century. His analysis of human existence proves an inexhaustible ground for thinkers of all backgrounds who seek answers for their specific questions left open or opened up by our times. This book explores the intrinsic connection between two fundamentally human traits, language and death. Heidegger addresses each of these traits in depth, without ever explicitly outlining their relationship in a separate theory. However, in a close examination of Heidegger's magnum opu s, Being and Time, Joachim L. Oberst uncovers a co Martin Heidegger was one of the most influential philosophers of the 20th century. His analysis of human existence proves an inexhaustible ground for thinkers of various backgrounds who seek answers for their specific questions left open or opened up by our times. This book offers a meticulous reading of Heidegger's magnum opus, "Being and Time".