An intelligent but approachable guide to the main concepts of Heidegger's magnum opus, Being and Time, by one of the leading philosophers of our day.
Thinking Heidegger: 'Being and Time' Explained is a comprehensive, long-form deep dive into what is arguably the most significant philosophical work of the last century. Scheduled for release ahead of the 2027 centenary of Heidegger's masterpiece, this volume by Simon Critchley (edited by Ben Olson) aims to explain the entirety of Heidegger's project in terms that are understandable and-most importantly-usable for intelligent, curious laypeople.
The book is structured into 18 episodes, each presenting a key concept such as Dasein, Being-in-the-world, Anxiety, and Ecstatic Temporality. Critchley avoids the "bazaar of pop philosophy," opting instead for a slow, intimate journey through Heidegger's notoriously difficult architecture without sacrificing depth. The work originated as a popular podcast series recorded during the 2020 pandemic, capturing a cultural moment where themes of mortality and isolation were uniquely resonant. However, this text is a complete rewrite, clarified and expanded with a full scholarly apparatus for independent study.
Critchley's central thesis is that "Being is time and time is finite." By stripping away Heidegger's baroque jargon, he demonstrates how Heidegger's insights into our "thrown open clearing of finitude" can change one's life. This book invites readers to master the "rhythm of existence" and move beyond the "cabinet of consciousness" to embrace a lived, worldly experience.
Thinking Heidegger is the essential guide for serious readers who intuit the importance of Heidegger's thought but require a clear path through its legendary complexity.
Autorentext
Simon Critchley has written more than twenty books, including studies of Greek tragedy, David Bowie, football, suicide, Shakespeare, how philosophers die, and a novella. His book Mysticism was published by New York Review Books in 2024. He is the Hans Jonas Professor of Philosophy at the New School for Social Research in New York and a Director of the Onassis Foundation.
Ben Olson works on Heidegger and historicity, specifically applying Heidegger's thought to the question of family. He is currently an Onassis Fellow at the New School for Social Research and teaches as an Adjunct Lecturer in Philosophy at New York City College of Technology.