Being and Time

by Martin Heidegger
Being and Time cover
Good Books rating 2.62
Philosophy
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Paperback • £18.21–£24.95
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  • ID: 5350
  • Added: 2025-10-23
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • ISBN: 9780791426777
  • Publisher: SUNY Press
  • Published: 1996-01-01
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 4

Being and Time is a monumental work by Martin Heidegger that delves into the essence of human existence and the nature of time. This new translation offers a fresh and accurate rendering of Heidegger's complex philosophical ideas, making it more accessible to contemporary readers. The book is a cornerstone of existential phenomenology and has had a profound impact on philosophy, theology, and other disciplines./n/n Heidegger's exploration of being (Dasein) and time is not just an abstract philosophical inquiry but a profound reflection on what it means to be human. The book challenges traditional metaphysical concepts and offers a new way of understanding our relationship with the world. This edition is particularly notable for its clarity and precision, making it an essential read for anyone interested in the depths of philosophical thought.

Reviews
Scott H Young · Scott H Young · 2020-04-13
mixed 2.00

The book is only half-finished, and the second division is muddled. It's a challenging read that requires significant effort to understand.

Scott H Young highlights that Being and Time is a challenging read, noting that the book is only half-finished and the second division is particularly muddled. They emphasize that the book requires significant effort to understand, making it a difficult but potentially rewarding read for those interested in philosophy. The depth and complexity of Heidegger's ideas are noted, but the execution is seen as flawed, making it a mixed experience.

Quick quotes

    The reasons not to read Being and Time are obvious. The book is only half-finished.

    Of what was written, the second division is so muddled, that even Heidegger's followers have trouble making sense of it.

    It is a challenging read that requires significant effort to understand.

Techietonics · 2015-03-16
profound 4.50

Being and Time is an ocean of infinite gems that require re-reading to discern new motifs. It's a profound work that offers deep insights.

The reviewer describes Being and Time as an ocean of infinite gems, highlighting the depth and richness of Heidegger's ideas. They note that the book requires re-reading to fully appreciate its nuances and the new motifs that surface with each reading. The profound nature of the work is emphasized, making it a valuable and insightful read for those willing to invest the time and effort.

Quick quotes

    Being and Time by Martin Heidegger is an ocean of infinite gems.

    It is one of those books, which require re-reading only to discern new motifs surfacing up with every read.

    It is one of those books that are profound and insightful.

The Guardian · 2009-06-05
complex 3.00

The book is notoriously difficult and lengthy, but it offers a unique perspective on the nature of being and time. The Guardian's reviewer acknowledges the book's complexity but also its significance in philosophical discourse.

The Guardian's reviewer notes that 'Being and Time' is a work of considerable length and legendary difficulty. The text's complexity is caused by Heidegger's innovative approach to philosophy, which challenges traditional metaphysical concepts. Despite its difficulty, the reviewer acknowledges the book's significance in philosophical discourse. They suggest that the book's unique perspective on the nature of being and time makes it a worthwhile read for those willing to engage with its complex ideas. The reviewer also notes that the book's influence extends beyond philosophy, impacting fields such as literature, psychology, and theology.

Quick quotes

    Being and Time is a work of considerable length (437 pages in the German original) and legendary difficulty.

    The difficulty is caused by the fact that Heidegger is trying to do something completely new.

    The book offers a unique perspective on the nature of being and time.

Reddit - Philosophy · u/c3e3q · 2008-01-01
critical 1.00

Heidegger's findings are trivial, and his writing is needlessly obfuscatory. The book can reasonably be ignored or dismissed.

The reviewer on Reddit criticizes Being and Time, describing Heidegger's findings as trivial and his writing as needlessly obfuscatory. They argue that the book can be reasonably ignored or dismissed, suggesting that the effort required to understand it is not justified by the content. This perspective highlights a significant divide in opinions about the book, with some finding it profound and others seeing it as overly complex and not worth the effort.

Quick quotes

    Heidegger's findings were trivial,

    his writing needlessly obfuscatory,

    and he can reasonably be ignored or dismissed.

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