Philosophy 190

Spring 2016

Number Title Instructor Days/time Room
190 Proseminar: Later Heidegger Kaiser TuTh 11-12:30 234 Moses

The seminar will focus on the relations between language, art, poetry, and technology in Heidegger’s later philosophy. His diagnosis of our ‘forgetfulness of being’ will be explored in the context of his interpretations of Hölderlin and Nietzsche, both of whom grappled with the ‘nihilism’ latent in modernity (‘destitute times’/’The desert grows’). Particular attention will be paid to Heidegger’s focus on the role of works of art and poetry, ‘things’, and ‘mindful thinking’ as opening up possible ways out of this condition. However, our discussion of Heidegger’s texts will also have to take into account some of the deeply troubling ‘thinking’ entries recently published in the so-called ‘Black Notebooks’.

Readings will include such central essays as The Origin of the Work of Art, What are Poets for?, The Question Concerning Technology, The Thing, and On the Way to Language.

Required texts: the essay collections Martin Heidegger. Poetry, Language, Thought (transl. Hofstadter), and Martin Heidegger. The Question Concerning Technology and other Essays (transl. William Lovitt). Additional texts will be made available on bCourses.

Enrollment is limited, and by application only. The seminar is aimed at advanced students of philosophy, preferably with some background in Heidegger and/or Nietzsche. Students should apply to the instructor directly (at kuk@berkeley.edu). Applications should include a brief statement outlining the applicant’s philosophical background (courses taken) and interest in the seminar. All applicants will be notified via email as to the result of their application before the beginning of the new term; those admitted will receive course entry codes (CECs) with which they can enroll in the seminar through TeleBears.

As taught this semester, this course satisfies the 160-187 (but not the 160-178) requirement for the major.

Previously taught: FL15, SP15, FL14, SP13.