The Unforgettable Journey of Inheritance and Originality: Wittgenstein, Heidegger, and Kierkegaard's Philosophical Insights

Philosophy, the contemplation of fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, values, reason, and more, has been a recurring endeavor throughout human history. Among the towering figures in the realm of philosophy are Ludwig Wittgenstein, Martin Heidegger, and Søren Kierkegaard, each known for their unique contributions to the discipline. This article takes you on a profound exploration of their ideas on inheritance, originality, and their lasting impact on philosophical discourse.

1. Ludwig Wittgenstein: Inheriting Language Games and Breaking Free

Ludwig Wittgenstein, an Austrian-British philosopher, delved into the nature of language and its limits. His ideas centered around the concept of "language games," which are socially agreed-upon rule-based systems of communication. According to Wittgenstein, individual users inherit these language games from their linguistic community.

Wittgenstein believed that language is not merely a descriptive tool but also shapes our reality. Our understanding of the world is intrinsically tied to the language games we are born into and the inherited meanings we attach to words. However, he also emphasized the importance of breaking free from the limitations imposed by inherited language games. Through critical self-reflection, he argued for the possibility of encountering and creating new language games, thereby expanding our perspectives and understanding of the world.

Inheritance and Originality: Wittgenstein, Heidegger, Kierkegaard

by Stephen Mulhall(1st Edition, Kindle Edition)

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In Wittgenstein's view, originality emerges when individuals go beyond the inherited language games and engage in innovative ways of using language. By transcending the boundaries set by tradition and challenging linguistic dogmas, we can tap into our own creative potential and contribute new insights to the ongoing conversation of humanity.

2. Martin Heidegger: Inheriting Being, Authenticity, and Dasein

Martin Heidegger, a German philosopher, focused on the question of being and the human experience of existence. He believed that human beings inherit their existence along with a pre-existing understanding of what it means to be. This inherited understanding, according to Heidegger, often obscures our true potential for authenticity.

Heidegger introduced the concept of "Dasein," a German term meaning "being there" or "existence." Dasein refers to the peculiar way in which humans exist and experience the world. Heidegger argued that Dasein is thrown into the world, born into a specific culture, historical context, and set of circumstances that shape our understanding of being.

Heidegger posited that authenticity involves a process of self-discovery and overcoming the influence of the inherited understanding of being. By questioning the assumptions and norms imposed on us by society, we can strive to uncover our authentic selves and live in accordance with our true values and aspirations. For Heidegger, genuine originality arises from living authentically, embracing our unique possibilities, and reframing our understanding of being.

3. Søren Kierkegaard: Inheriting Dread, Faith, and the Leap of Authenticity

Søren Kierkegaard, a Danish philosopher, grappled with the complexities of human existence and the challenges we face in reaching authentic selfhood. He believed that individuals inherit a sense of dread and anxiety due to the weight of freedom and the responsibility it entails.

Kierkegaard argued that true authenticity requires navigating these existential dilemmas, particularly through an irrational leap of faith. Inheriting a fearful sense of existence, one can embrace faith as a means to surpass the limitations imposed by a rationalistic worldview and inherited beliefs.

According to Kierkegaard, faith is not a static concept but an active, paradoxical engagement with the unknown. By accepting the absurdity and uncertainty of existence, individuals can experience moments of genuine originality, where they transcend the inherited dread and live in a state of passionate commitment to their chosen values and beliefs.

: Reflecting on the Heritage of Inheritance and Originality

Wittgenstein, Heidegger, and Kierkegaard, though divergent in their philosophical approaches, all highlight the intricate relationship between inheritance and originality in the human experience. Their ideas challenge us to critically examine the inherited frameworks that shape our understanding of language, being, and existence.

These philosophers urge us to break free from the limitations imposed by inherited language games, being-there, and dread. They encourage us to reflect on our own potential for originality and authenticity. By daring to question the status quo, embracing our unique possibilities, and engaging with the world in a deeply personal manner, we can foster genuine originality and contribute to the ongoing evolution of philosophy.

Inheritance and Originality: Wittgenstein, Heidegger, Kierkegaard

by Stephen Mulhall(1st Edition, Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

FREE

What does it mean to think of philosophy in the condition of modernism, in which its relation to its past and future has become a relevant problem? This book argues that the writings of Wittgenstein, Heidegger, and Kierkegaard are best understood as responsive (each in their own way) to such questions. Through detailed analysis of these authors' most influential texts, Stephen Mulhall reorients our sense of the philosophical work each text aims to accomplish, engendering a critical dialogue between them from which the elements of a new conception of philosophy might emerge.