Philosophy 189

The goal of this seminar is to come to an understanding of the close connections between art, poetry and technology in Heidegger’s later philosophy. These topics will be explored through a close look at his engagement with the works of Nietzsche and Hölderlin, especially the former’s diagnosis of our nihilistic predicament (“The desert grows”) and the special status that he assigned to art.

But it is not Nietzsche —according to Heidegger he ultimately failed to free himself (and us) from the fetters of metaphysics—who can point the way out of our ‘forgetfulness of being’. It is in reflective thinking, art, poetry (especially that of Hölderlin) and ‘dwelling with things’ that the ‘saving power’ is to be found.

Readings will include essays and excerpts from Heidegger’s lectures on Nietzsche and Hölderlin; we will also look at such central texts as “The Origin of the Work of Art”, “The Question Concerning Technology”, and “Building, Dwelling, Thinking”.

The seminar is aimed at advanced students of philosophy, preferably with some background in the work of Heidegger and/or Nietzsche.

Enrollment is limited, and by application only. Students may apply to the instructor directly (at kuk@berkeley.edu). Applications should include a brief statement outlining the applicant’s philosophical background and interest in the seminar. All applicants will be notified via email as to the result of their application; those admitted will receive course enrollment numbers with which they can enroll in the seminar through TeleBears.