up:: Philosophy, The Self, Anxiety
Martin Heidegger
YouTube
Heidegger on Anxiety and Dasein - YouTube
- Heidegger’s View on Anxiety: Unlike the common perception of anxiety as a state of mind or disorder, Heidegger sees it as a fundamental mood that reveals our true being. This mood helps us understand who we are, linking closely to the concept of Dasein (existence).
- Concept of Dasein: Dasein, a German term meaning ‘being there,’ signifies our existence as always being in the world. Heidegger emphasizes that existence is not isolated; we are constantly in relation to our environment and able to reflect on our existence.
- Anxiety as a Disclosure of Nothingness: Heidegger describes anxiety as a moment that jolts us out of routine, making us aware of our freedom and our relationship with the world. It reveals the ‘nothingness’ or the absence of a predetermined path in life, showing us our true freedom.
- Anxiety’s Role in Self-Realization and Creativity: Anxiety, according to Heidegger, is not constantly present but emerges in specific contexts, revealing our underlying freedom. It can lead to self-realization, creativity, and a deeper understanding of our freedom and choices.
- Difference Between Anxiety and Fear: Heidegger distinguishes anxiety from fear, noting that fear has a specific object, while anxiety is about ‘nothing’ in particular. It’s an awareness of our own freedom and the lack of predetermined paths in our lives, leading to a sense of individuality and responsibility.
Quotes
- “Understanding of being is itself a determination of being of Da-sein.” ― Martin Heidegger, Being and Time
In Heideggerian philosophy, “thrownness” (German: Geworfenheit) refers to the existential condition of being “thrown” into existence, meaning we are not self-created and exist in a world we did not choose. It highlights the arbitrary and unavoidable nature of our being-in-the-world, including the past, present, and future, which are all predetermined. This concept is central to understanding Dasein (human existence), as it emphasizes the inherent freedom and responsibility that come with acknowledging our “thrownness”.
Arbitrariness and Inscrutability:
We are “thrown” into a world with specific circumstances, social structures, and cultural norms that we did not choose. This includes our family history, birthplace, and even our inherent talents and predispositions.
Being-in-the-World:
Thrownness is inextricably linked to our being-in-the-world, as it is the state from which we experience and interact with the world.
Freedom and Responsibility:
While we didn’t choose our circumstances, we are still responsible for how we engage with them and make choices within them.
Authenticity vs. Inauthenticity:
Heidegger distinguishes between authentic and inauthentic existence. Authentic existence involves acknowledging and embracing our thrownness, while inauthentic existence involves being swept up in the crowd and neglecting our individual responsibilities.
Being-toward-Death:
Heidegger also links thrownness to the inevitability of death, arguing that our awareness of mortality shapes our understanding of existence and allows us to make choices that align with our true selves.