Prof. M explains the importance of poetry--in the eyes of the philosopher Heidegger.

Summary

In this lecture, the presenter explores the significance of poetry through the lens of philosopher Martin Heidegger, despite his controversial past. They discuss how poetry reveals truths about human existence, our interactions, and mortality. The presenter argues that poetry is not just a literary form but a medium that allows 'being' to communicate with us, often in profound and imaginative ways. Heidegger's view is that poetry participates in the event of 'appropriation,' where human existence is disclosed through language, and the poet acts as a mediator bringing forth hidden truths. The lecture challenges the limitations of scientific thought and positions poetry as a superior form of truth, capable of expressing the essence of our human condition.

Takeaways

• 📜 Heidegger's perspective on poetry is explored, acknowledging his controversial past but focusing on his valuable insights into the art form.
• 🌟 Poetry is seen as a medium that reveals truths about human existence, mortality, and our interconnectedness with the world.
• 🎭 Heidegger believes that poetry can provide profound insights into what it means to be human, often in ways that are more revealing than everyday language.
• 🌈 The beauty of poetry lies in its ability to express thoughts and ideas in a novel and imaginative manner, leading to a magical consciousness.
• 🔍 Heidegger emphasizes that poetry is not just a literary form but a way of understanding and interacting with the world and others.
• 🌊 The Rhine River is used as an example to illustrate how poetry can reveal the essence of human existence and our connection to nature.
• 🏠 Language, according to Heidegger, is the 'house of being,' and poetry is a powerful form of language that opens up new ways of understanding.
• 💡 The role of the poet is to act as a mediator, bringing forth the often-hidden truths of human existence through the power of words.
• 🚫 Heidegger critiques scientific approaches for their limitations in capturing the essence of human existence, suggesting that poetry and philosophy are better suited for this task.
• ✍️ The poet's task is to bring to light the truth of being, often through the unconcealment of what is typically hidden from our everyday understanding.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the presentation on poetry?

The main theme of the presentation is to explore the importance of poetry from the perspective of philosopher Martin Heidegger, focusing on how poetry connects to the human condition, existence, and mortality.

Why does the presenter choose to discuss poetry through Heidegger's perspective despite his controversial past?

The presenter acknowledges Heidegger's controversial past but chooses to discuss poetry through his lens because Heidegger offers valuable insights into the nature of poetry, human existence, and mortality, which are deemed important for the presentation.

How does poetry, according to Heidegger, reveal truths about human existence?

Heidegger believes that poetry is not just a literary form but a way of revealing truths about human existence, our interactions in the world, and mortality. It does so by articulating the hidden truths that are otherwise inaccessible.

What is the concept of 'appropriation' as mentioned in the script?

The concept of 'appropriation' refers to the event where being reveals itself through poetry. It is a dimension in which being grants itself to us, allowing us to understand our connection with the world and our existence.

How does Heidegger view the role of the poet?

Heidegger sees the poet as a mediator who brings forth the truth of being or human existence. The poet's task is to articulate the hidden truths that are otherwise inaccessible, thus revealing a more profound understanding of existence.

What is the significance of the Rhine River in Heidegger's discussion of poetry?

The Rhine River is used by Heidegger as an example to illustrate how poetry reveals being or human existence. It is not just a physical entity but a source of meaning and presence, connecting with the world and human existence.

How does Heidegger differentiate poetry from other forms of language?

Heidegger views language as the house of being, and poetry as a form of language that opens up new ways of understanding. It allows for moments of inspiration, imagination, and even magical consciousness.

What is Heidegger's stance on the limitations of science in understanding human existence?

Heidegger believes that science falls short in revealing the truth of human existence because it is based on observable causation and attributes rather than being itself. It does not utilize all the resources and methods available, including poetry.

Why does the presenter emphasize the importance of understanding human existence through poetry according to Heidegger?

The presenter emphasizes this because, for Heidegger, understanding human existence is crucial for overcoming anxieties about death and mortality. Poetry serves as a medium that allows being to speak in its own voice, providing a profound understanding of existence.

What does Heidegger mean when he says 'poetry is the language in which being speaks to us'?

Heidegger suggests that poetry is a form of language that allows human existence to be revealed and understood. It is through poetry that the essence of being, which is typically hidden, can be brought to light and communicated.

Outlines

00:00

📜 Introduction to Poetry through Heidegger's Perspective

The speaker introduces a unique approach to discussing poetry by examining it through the lens of philosopher Martin Heidegger. Despite acknowledging Heidegger's controversial history and affiliation with the Nazi party, the speaker emphasizes the value of his insights on poetry, human existence, and mortality. The presentation aims to explore how poetry connects with the human condition, revealing new thoughts and imagination. The speaker plans to use slides to illustrate these ideas and will share a link for further reference. Key points include the importance of poetry in understanding our existence and the moments in poetry that capture the essence of being human.

05:02

🌊 Poetry as a Revealer of Human Existence

The speaker delves into Heidegger's view of poetry as a medium that reveals truths about human existence. Heidegger believed that poetry is not merely a literary form but a way to uncover the nature of our interactions with the world and with each other. The speaker discusses the concept of 'appropriation' as a way for poetry to disclose aspects of being, using the example of the Rhine River to illustrate how a natural element can become a source of meaning and presence in poetry. The poet, according to Heidegger, acts as a mediator, bringing forth the hidden truths of being that are inaccessible through other means. The speaker emphasizes the limitations of scientific approaches in capturing the essence of human existence, suggesting that poetry provides a more profound understanding.

10:03

🧠 The Role of Poetry in Understanding Human Existence

In the final paragraph, the speaker continues to explore the role of poetry in understanding the human condition, particularly in relation to suffering, mortality, and our anxieties about death. Heidegger's perspective is that science falls short in revealing the truth of being because it relies on observable facts and causality rather than on the essence of human existence. The speaker suggests that poetry and philosophy are better suited to this task, with poetry being central to understanding the nature of human existence. The poet's role is to articulate the hidden truths that are otherwise inaccessible, and the speaker encourages the audience to consider how their favorite poems might bring out the essence of human existence, including themes of suffering, mortality, and connection with others and nature.

Keywords

💡Poetry

Poetry is a form of literature that uses aesthetic and rhythmic qualities of language to evoke meanings beyond the literal. In the video, poetry is discussed as a medium that connects to the human condition, revealing truths about human existence and mortality. It is seen as a way to express the inexpressible and to provide new perspectives on our experiences.

💡Martin Heidegger

Martin Heidegger was a German philosopher known for his contributions to phenomenology and existentialism. Despite his controversial affiliations with the Nazi party, as mentioned in the script, his insights on poetry and being are highlighted. Heidegger's view is that poetry is not just a literary form but a way of revealing truths about human existence.

💡Human Condition

The human condition refers to the characteristics, experiences, and circumstances that are universal to being human. In the context of the video, the human condition is explored through poetry, which is seen as a means to understand and express the essence of what it means to be human, including our anxieties, connections with others, and our mortality.

💡Mortality

Mortality is the state of being subject to death. The video discusses how poetry can help us confront and understand our mortality, which is often a source of anxiety and fear. Heidegger suggests that through poetry, we can gain a deeper appreciation of our existence and the finite nature of our lives.

💡Language

Language is the system of communication used by humans, consisting of words, sounds, and symbols. In the video, language is described as 'the house of being' by Heidegger, meaning it is the medium through which the nature of existence is revealed. Poetry, as a form of language, is particularly potent in opening up new ways of understanding and expressing the human experience.

💡Truth of Being

The 'truth of being' refers to the fundamental nature or essence of existence. Heidegger argues that poetry is a means to reveal this truth, which is often hidden or obscured. In the video, it is suggested that poetry can bring forth a more profound understanding of our existence by articulating truths that are not accessible through other means.

💡Event of Appropriation

The 'event of appropriation' is a Heideggerian concept discussed in the video, which refers to the moment when being reveals itself through poetry. This concept is used to illustrate how poetry can disclose aspects of being and human existence, such as our connection with the natural world, as exemplified by Heidegger's reference to the Rhine River.

💡Intersubjectivity

Intersubjectivity is the idea that individuals' experiences and understandings are shaped by their interactions with others. The video touches on how poetry can evoke a sense of shared experience and interconnectedness, as when people feel a collective identity at a concert or sports event, suggesting that poetry can tap into our intersubjective nature.

💡Unconcealment

Unconcealment, in Heidegger's philosophy, is the process of revealing or bringing to light what is typically hidden or obscured. In the context of the video, poetry is seen as a form of unconcealment that allows us to perceive aspects of our existence and the world that might otherwise remain hidden, thus deepening our understanding of being.

💡Scientific Approach

The scientific approach is a method of inquiry based on observation, experimentation, and the formulation of hypotheses. The video contrasts this with poetry, suggesting that while science is limited to observable phenomena and causal explanations, poetry can reveal deeper truths about the human condition that science cannot access.

Highlights

Introduction to poetry through the eyes of philosopher Heidegger.

Heidegger's complex legacy, acknowledging his contributions to poetry despite his past.

The importance of poetry in connecting to the human condition.

Poetry's ability to express thoughts and ideas in new and beautiful ways.

Heidegger's view on how poetry reveals the essence of being human.

Poetry as a means of revealing truths about human existence and mortality.

The concept of intersubjectivity and how poetry connects us to others.

Heidegger's idea that poetry is the language in which being speaks to us.

The event of appropriation and how it relates to human existence.

Poetry's role in disclosing aspects of being and our connection to the world.

Heidegger's use of natural elements, like the Rhine River, to illustrate poetry's meaning.

The role of language in poetry as the house of being.

The poet as a mediator who brings forth the truth of being or human existence.

The task of the poet to articulate hidden truths through poetry.

Heidegger's critique of science and its limitations in revealing the truth of being.

The superiority of poetry as a form of truth over science and philosophy.

Encouragement to reflect on how favorite poems might reveal the essence of human existence.

Transcripts

in class I'm going to present an

introduction to poetry I'm going to do

something a little unusual and present

it kind of Through The Eyes of the

importance of poetry from the eyes of

the philosopher heiger okay yes I know

he gets a bad rap he did some bad things

he was an

opportunist uh

promoted you know probably promoted Nazi

propaganda um however he does have a lot

of good lead-ins to poetry and so with

that caveat that yes he was a member of

the Nazi party I'm not defending that

I'm not saying it was right but I am

saying that he's got a lot of good

things to say about poetry human

existence and mortality okay so I'm

going to go through some slides um based

on that which I place down announcements

and I'll create a um a link a little

later okay

okay so what's the importance of poetry

for for heiger and maybe for us we

should be thinking about it how does

poetry connect to The Human Condition

basically um why is it that good poems

seem to say things in a way that we've

never thought of or in a really

beautiful way or to give us a new

thought or lead us into imagination or

um magical Consciousness even some poems

okay all right so let's move on down

to um some other

points

um so heiger really thought that it's at

those moments in poetry when you read a

really beautiful line of poetry that you

you understand the essence of what it

means to be human okay I could throw in

his German word and he would invent new

words

as

um basically uh humans in the world um

and that such thing so that existence

for him and poetry for him really

revolves around Humanity okay all right

so let's

continue okay

just got in trouble here with my slides

okay let me see if there's anything I

missed okay yeah so for haiger poetry is

not just a literary form but a way of

revealing truths about human existence

our interaction in the

world uh

mortality

um what it means to interact with other

people

how is it that we have inter

subjectivity that is how is it that we

connect with certain if you've been to a

rock concert well all maybe not rock

concert uh rap concert Rave uh football

game sports

event um a lecture how is it that you

feel sometimes this connection with

others you're not just fans anymore or

supporters or whatever you're

participants and you're you're kind of

more than just one person you're all

together and you're you know in some

ways we are interconnected like that so

heiger definitely wants to talk about

that and the breakdown of what he called

the subject and object is really one

thing so only when we die do become

individuals right because we're born

into a family we're born into whatever

situation and we constantly interact

with others and our

Ed um but the way that we also connect

with human existence and our own

mortality is through through poetry okay

so

um he says here poetry is the language

in which being speaks to us so well

there's a big debate what does he mean

by being but I think human existence is

what he really means and so I want to

make that clear make that connection

because the way poetry is taught and the

way we talk about poetry it's just so

arbitrary and things seem to be thrown

out there and it can get really

complicated and it can forget you know

what what the real meaning is okay so he

has this concept

of he rang this event of

appropriation and so this concept means

being reveals itself through the event

of appropriation so I know appropr

creation means a lot of different things

in society today but I don't think

that's what he has in mind he has in

mind you know the Poetry the event

that's spoken

about and then you know the revelation

of human existence within that okay

poetry for hyr girl participates in this

event by disclosing aspects of being so

again human existence what is it that

we're connected to I mean mainly other

people but also so kind of objects if

you have a favorite shirt or a favorite

ring in your nose or ear whatever tattoo

then you have some kind of connection

with that Beyond just you know that it's

an object okay so we also have

connections with objects I

think

um so the event of

appropriation is the dimension in which

being grants itself to us

okay so

that again the appropriation and again

I'm really getting sidetracked with you

know our everyday notion of

appropriation now that's that's not what

he means I don't think and so being put

in that situation of let's say it's a

poem about the river then it's kind of

being appropriated to us as humans even

though we're human we can have some kind

of understanding of the relation of the

river to us okay and to our existence

you know not just water not just that it

flows not just that we use it for

transportation like he's going to get

into the Ry River one of the main

longest rivers in Europe okay so um his

example is the Ry River heiger uses

natural elements like the Rin River to

illustrate how poetry reveals being or

human existence the Ry is not just a

physical entity but a source of meaning

and presence

okay and of course well meaning is kind

of esoteric that is hidden and so is uh

presence being all of this but somehow

it relates to human existence okay you

feel one with the river you

know the

rine is not a river but the

manifestation of the unity of the

world's

presencing okay of the world's presence

basically so again it's connecting

with um the world with humans in which

we uh live here and we do have some

interactions okay so to go move on here

heiger emphasizes the connection between

poetry and

language language is the house of being

and poetry is a form of language that

opens up new ways of understanding

okay so you get those moments of

inspiration imagination even magical

Consciousness through um

poetry language is the house of being

and of

course you know we use language to

express our thoughts and of course the

poetry also uses language or

images the role of the poet heiger sees

the poet as a mediate mediator who

brings forth the truth of being Oran

human existence so those little Sparks

of of ideas that uh that are so well

said in in good

poetry and they bring us somewhere else

you

know um the poet's role is to Artic

articulate the Hidden Truths that are

otherwise inaccessible so there you go

perfect so there're things that we've

never thought of and they're expressed

in poetry okay and so they're so well

said and the IM image that they

create so vivid that it's really uh

there's no other source for getting this

kind of information other than

poetry okay the poet's task is to bring

to light the truth of

being

okay so for heiger poetry is the

unconcealment of being that is revealing

what is typically hidden okay

so um again it's going to the poem poet

is going to bring forth some line of

poetry that makes us think of something

we've never thought of or feel something

we've never thought of okay or never

experienced this process of

unconcealment brings forth a more

profound understanding of existence so

meaning heal existence because really

the only way we can understand being

according to heiger is through being

humans in human existence

okay now one of the key points is the

limitations of of thought and Concepts

and scientific approaches you know for

heiger science Falls Way

short um in revealing the truth too much

basis on the observable

um

causation um attributes instead of being

itself you know human existence so

science you know flunks the test for

haiger because um it doesn't use all the

resources methods pedagogy that we have

and and poetry is one of those so this

thing that science oh it's facts no it's

not facts it's it's what people choose

to examine so there's there's a

breakdown of

the fact value distinction there and

what scientists bring out to study is in

itself a value judgment so if I if I

decide to study abortion and show how

bad it is then how am I using science to

show how bad human abortion is and it

should be banned then fact and value go

together but back to poetry um so

science doesn't do it for heiger and so

poetry and philosophy have to do it but

it has to be done the correct way and

one of the ways that we get inspiration

is through the best poetry and the

feelings

Expressions

words sounds that it gives us all those

things rhyme

rhythm that heiger doesn't go

into but he does see the place of poetry

Central to the understanding the nature

of human existence okay The Human

Condition human problems human suffering

mortality the fact that uh for heidinger

we're very anxious about death because

it's something always lurking in the

background we don't know when it's going

to happen and we're scared of it um so

we need to overcome that by

understanding what human existence is

all

about so for heiger poetry is the EST

form of truth because it allows being to

speak in its own

voice okay so that's it so Ponder this

um see if your favorite poem lines of

poetry um bring out this kind of essence

of human existence suffering mortality

greatness um being with others being

with nature these kinds of things uh

and we'll continue this discussion bye