Heidegger is generally considered the most important philosopher of our time. But, filled with neologisms as they are, his writing can be difficult. Focusing only on one relatively short later article, one which introduces many of the concepts most important to his later writings, this course will introduce you to him in what I hope is a painless way. And, as he explores for us the idea that art is about truth of a certain kind, you may be pleasantly surprised both at how poetic his thinking is and how relevant it can be to so much more than aesthetics.

Rest assured that no prior knowledge of later Heidegger, of Heidegger, of phenomenology, or of the philosophy of aesthetics will be expected. What is expected is curiosity, an open mind, a willingness to do very close reading of the one article, and active participation in discussions about it.

The three art works explored in the article are Van Gogh’s painting of shoes, the Greek temple at Paestum, and the poem “The Roman Fountain” by C.F. Meyer. At the end of the course we will, if we remain brave enough, try our hand at thinking like Heidegger about some art work of our choosing.

This course will consist of discussions between the Study Leader and participants.