Heidegger: An Introduction

Heidegger provides a lively and accessible introduction to one of the most influential and intellectually demanding philosophers of the modern era. Covering the entire range of Heidegger’s thought but focusing on his key work, Being and Time, Richard Polt skillfully guides readers through the texts using clear examples and vivid language. This second edition features biographical insights, illuminates Heidegger’s intellectual development, and orients readers to his most important and influential writings.

Polt has thoroughly revised the text, enriching and updating his interpretations with major primary and secondary sources published since the first edition was released in 1999. A new discussion of Heidegger’s entanglement with Nazism draws on the philosopher’s lectures, seminars, and journals. Engaging and thought-provoking, Heidegger invites readers to learn to swim in the often turbulent waters of Heidegger’s questioning of Being.

Richard Polt is Professor of Philosophy at Xavier University. He is the author of The Emergency of Being and Time and Trauma; the cotranslator of texts by Heidegger, including Introduction to Metaphysics and Being and Truth; and the editor of several volumes on Heidegger’s thought.