Martin Heidegger

Meer over het boek

One of the century's greatest philosophers, Martin Heidegger, shaped modern thought yet grappled with profound failures, including his troubling alignment with Adolf Hitler. This biography explores Heidegger's life and philosophy, intertwining themes of good and evil, brilliance and blindness, against the backdrop of a tumultuous century. Raised in Catholic Germany, he initially pursued the priesthood but later abandoned it for academia, rising to prominence in the 1920s as a leading figure in German philosophy. Rüdiger Safranski details Heidegger's intellectual journey, highlighting his influences from Heraclitus, Plato, and Kant, while also addressing the conservative ideologies that emerged from Germany's post-World War I trauma. This account not only chronicles his philosophical contributions but also delves into the personal commitments and betrayals that marked his life. Safranski does not shy away from Heidegger's controversial role as a propagandist for the National Socialist regime, ensuring that this dark chapter does not overshadow his significant intellectual achievements. The biography offers a nuanced view of a complex figure whose legacy continues to provoke debate and reflection.