Martin Heidegger · Philosophy

Dasein and Being-in-the-World

Heidegger overturns the picture, dominant since Descartes, of a mind locked inside, looking out at an external world. The human being (Dasein) is not a subject confronting objects but <em>being-in-the-world</em> - always already out among things and others, absorbed in a meaningful web of practical concern. We are not in the world like water in a glass, but as engaged, caring participants.

What you'll be able to recall

You learned Heidegger&rsquo;s concept of being-in-the-world : Dasein is never a detached subject facing objects, but always already engaged in a meaningful world of practical concern. Explain the hammer example (ready-to-hand vs present-at-hand) and how it overturns the Cartesian picture of mind and world.

Leads to Descartes.

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