Introduction to Metaphysics

1. Metaphysics Begins with a Profound "Why"

Why are there beings at all instead of nothing? That is the question.

The First Question. Metaphysics, at its core, is driven by a fundamental question: why does anything exist rather than nothing? This isn't a question of chronology, but of rank, probing the broadest, deepest, and most originary aspects of existence. It's a question that arises in moments of despair, joy, or even boredom, revealing a deep-seated wonder about the very fact of being.

Beyond the Everyday. This "why" question isn't about the causes of specific things, but about the ground of all things. It pushes us beyond the surface of everyday experience, seeking the ultimate foundation of existence. It's a question that challenges our assumptions about the world and our place in it.

The Question's Recoil. The question "Why are there beings at all instead of nothing?" is unique because it recoils upon itself, forcing us to question the very act of questioning. This self-reflexivity is a hallmark of philosophical inquiry, distinguishing it from other forms of knowledge.

2. Being is Not a Being, But the Condition of All Beings

For Heidegger, Being is not any thing. It is not a being at all, but concerns the meaningful disclosure of beings as beings.

Being vs. Beings. Heidegger distinguishes between "beings" (the things that exist) and "Being" (the condition that makes existence possible). Being is not a thing itself, but the very ground that allows us to understand and experience beings. It's the "is-ness" that underlies all that is.

The Mystery of Being. Being is not something we can directly observe or grasp. It's not a physical object or a concept that can be easily defined. It's a mysterious and elusive force that permeates all of existence, yet remains hidden from our direct perception.

The Importance of the Question. The question of Being is not just an intellectual exercise, but a fundamental inquiry into the very nature of our existence. By grappling with this question, we can gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and our place in the world.

3. Language Shapes Our Understanding of Being

In the word, in language, things first come to be and are.

Language as a Tool. Language is not merely a tool for communication, but a fundamental force that shapes our understanding of reality. The words we use, and the way we use them, influence how we perceive and interpret the world around us.

The Power of Words. Heidegger emphasizes the importance of understanding the original meaning of words, particularly those related to Being. He argues that translations and later interpretations can obscure the original power and significance of these words.

The Grammar of Being. The grammatical structure of language, particularly the use of the infinitive, also plays a role in shaping our understanding of Being. The infinitive, with its abstract and indeterminate nature, can both reveal and conceal the true essence of Being.

4. The Greeks Experienced Being as "Phusis"

Phusis means the emerging sway, and the endurance over which it thoroughly holds sway.

Phusis as Emerging Sway. The Greeks originally experienced Being as "phusis," which means the emerging, abiding sway of things. This concept encompasses not only nature, but also the totality of existence, including human history and the gods.

Beyond Nature. Phusis is not simply the physical world, but the very process of coming-into-being, the unfolding and enduring of all things. It's the power that allows beings to emerge from concealment and to stand forth in their own unique way.

The Narrowing of Phusis. Over time, the meaning of phusis has been narrowed to refer primarily to the physical world. This narrowing has obscured the original, more profound understanding of Being as the dynamic and all-encompassing force of existence.

5. Being is Restricted by Becoming, Seeming, Thinking, and the Ought

In the course of Western history, and particularly under the influence of Platonism, Being has been restricted: it has been opposed to becoming, to seeming, to thinking, and to the ought.

The Four Restrictions. Heidegger identifies four key restrictions that have shaped our understanding of Being: becoming, seeming, thinking, and the ought. These restrictions have created a limited and distorted view of Being, obscuring its true essence.

Being and Becoming. Being is often opposed to becoming, with Being seen as the constant and unchanging, while becoming is seen as the fleeting and impermanent. This opposition has led to a neglect of the dynamic and temporal aspects of Being.

Being and Seeming. Being is also often opposed to seeming, with Being seen as the true and genuine, while seeming is seen as the false and illusory. This opposition has led to a distrust of appearances and a search for a hidden reality behind them.

Being and Thinking. Being is often opposed to thinking, with Being seen as the objective and external, while thinking is seen as the subjective and internal. This opposition has led to a separation between the world and our minds, making it difficult to grasp the true nature of Being.

Being and the Ought. Being is often opposed to the ought, with Being seen as what is, while the ought is seen as what should be. This opposition has led to a separation between the actual and the ideal, making it difficult to reconcile our experience of the world with our aspirations for it.

6. The Essence of Humanity is Tied to the Question of Being

The asking of this question happens only in the leap and as the leap, and otherwise not at all.

Humanity as the Questioner. The question of Being is not just an abstract philosophical inquiry, but a fundamental aspect of human existence. It's through this questioning that we come to understand ourselves and our place in the world.

The Leap of Questioning. The act of questioning Being is not a gradual process, but a leap away from the safety of our everyday assumptions. It's a leap into the unknown, a venture into the depths of existence that requires courage and a willingness to confront the limits of our understanding.

Dasein and Being. Heidegger uses the term "Dasein" to refer to the unique way in which human beings exist. Dasein is characterized by its openness to the question of Being, its awareness of its own mortality, and its capacity for authentic existence.

7. The Oblivion of Being is a Historical Phenomenon

The factuality of the fact of the oblivion of Being as the real ground for our misrelation to language.

The Loss of Meaning. Heidegger argues that we have lost our connection to Being, that it has become a mere word, an empty concept devoid of its original power and significance. This oblivion of Being is not just an intellectual problem, but a historical phenomenon that has shaped the course of Western civilization.

The Misinterpretation of Spirit. The oblivion of Being is linked to a misinterpretation of spirit, which has been reduced to mere intelligence and technical skill. This reduction has led to a loss of depth and meaning in our lives, and a growing sense of alienation from the world.

The Need for a New Beginning. To overcome the oblivion of Being, we need to return to the original sources of Western thought, to the Greek experience of phusis and logos. This requires a radical rethinking of our relationship to language, to truth, and to the very nature of existence.

8. The Path to Truth Requires a Leap Beyond Logic

Talking about Nothing remains forever an abomination and an absurdity for science. But aside from the philosopher, the poet can also talk about Nothing.

The Limits of Logic. Traditional logic, with its emphasis on consistency and non-contradiction, is inadequate for grasping the essence of Being. The question of Being often leads us to paradoxes and contradictions that cannot be resolved by logic alone.

The Role of Poetry. Poetry, with its capacity for metaphor and ambiguity, can provide a more authentic way of expressing the ineffable nature of Being. Poets, like philosophers, can speak of Nothing, not as a void, but as a necessary counterpart to Being.

The Leap of Thinking. To truly understand Being, we must be willing to leap beyond the confines of logic and reason, to embrace the mystery and uncertainty that lie at the heart of existence. This leap requires a willingness to question everything, including our most cherished assumptions.

Last updated: January 15, 2025