How to Read Heidegger

An interesting aspect to this book is that every chapter starts out with about a page of Heidegger's actual writing. I would read this dense prose before and after reading Mr. Wrathall's discussion of the chapter topic. After reading the author's interpretation I would go back and read Heidegger's words again, and find that I had a better understanding of the original.I would assume that the main reason one writes a review of a book like this is not to critique the philosophy that it contains, but to inform the prospective reader as to the comprehensibility of the presentation of that philosophy. Mr. Wrathall performs admirably in this regard. As a relative philosophical novice I found that this book turned night into day.The author covers the topic of Heidegger's views of our being in the world; how our place in the world creates our possibilities and our constraints. It discusses how our culture forms us and can limit us. Do we become authentic or inauthentic beings in terms of how much we conform to culture. Heidegger's views on technology are presented. He feels that we should be part of the earth, and not conform the earth to our every need. We should not view that earth as something that merely provides us with resources.There is also a chapter on Heidegger's views of art and truth. I found that I had a harder time relating to his views on aesthetics, than I did with the rest of his philosophy.This is an excellent book for those with limited backgrounds in philosophy and/or Heidegger's works. It might also be worthwhile to those who have encountered Heidegger in the past, and need a littler refresher to his works.One final comment: The author is evidently fluent in German. He frequently disagrees with some of the German to English translations, and provides his ideas of what the German words really mean in English. I found this to be an added bonus

Almost every book titled as an introduction to Heidegger contains personal view of the author, and not a straightforward explanation of what Heidegger tries to say. This is perhaps because Heidegger is such a controversial figure, he tempts everyone to form a private opinion of his own. However, if you are new to Heidegger, and simply wants to know what is behind all the jargon, this is a good book for you. It cannot be substituted by Heidegger himself, but at least you get a headstart.

One could read Heidegger without ever taking him on as his investigation applies to one's own life experience. This summary of Heidegger is so well written that it makes taking him on almost pleasant. Not written for philosophers but for the average every day man. It's one thing to understand Heidegger and quite another to reflect on how it applies to coming to an understanding of one's self and one's being-in-the-world.

Like many, the daunting prospect of reading Heidegger has kept me from directly accessing his work. Wrathall's excellent book introduces to the curious reader the text of Heidegger along with an approachable and rich exposition of the subject and the man. Highly recommend the book to anyone interesting is learning more about one of the 20th century's most influential thinkers.

Wrathall does an excellent job of explaining Heidegger's thoughts. I came away feeling that I could unpack much more meaning out of perhaps the most opaque philosopher.

We are using it to study Heidegger in a U3A Philosophy course.

This product has been what I expected it to be and and it has been very useful for its purpose

Nice Heidegger commentary!

I think these general introduction-type books are often... more confusing than tackling the real thing... in this case though Heidegger was just too much for me all on my own. And in fact this book is absolutely superb. The way this series is structured means you get a little segment of Heidegger, to read for yourself, and then an explanation afterwards, which takes you through a general introduction to his ideas, too.I thought it was brilliantly done, and have spent time in the day pondering some of the philosophical questions involved... which seems to me a proper testament to the book actually WORKING. It's doing what it's meant to do - helping you think - and not just confusing you by trying to pass judgement on a whole life and work at once.I knew nothing about Heidegger when i started, now i feel motivated to learn more. I think that's probably the best account I can give of the book!

Helpful. Makes Heidegger easier to comprehend for ordinary everyday reader.

Excellent - made a difficult subject easy to understand. Would recommend as a good starting point to the philosopher's work.

Perfect!

Good book. Thank you