On the Essence of Language and the Question of Art

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The texts and notes in this volume provide unique insights into Heidegger’s evolving thoughts on language and art from the late 1930s to the early 1950s, a period marked by personal and national upheaval. Following Germany's defeat in World War II, Heidegger faced a teaching ban at Freiburg University, prompting significant shifts in his philosophy of language as he explored new modes of silence and non-saying. This collection highlights these changes and tracks the development of key terms in his philosophy during this transformative time. Central to Heidegger’s reflections is his engagement with the nature of the word, silence, and the unsaid, as he critiques the instrumental view of language, emphasizing conversation as the "homeland of language." The text includes references to Hölderlin and von Hofmannsthal, alongside a thoughtful examination of aural phenomena like silent thought and speechlessness, illustrating the deep connection between speech and human essence. Additionally, Heidegger explores the role of art, particularly the plastic arts, and the artist's position within the modern industrial landscape, contrasting it with ancient Greek views on space and community. This significant work, now available in English for the first time, will captivate students and scholars of philosophy and those interested in Heidegger’s ideas.