Heideggers Theory on Anxiety and Deaths Significance in the Background of Suicide among the East Asian Adolescents

Abstract

As a philosopher who has had a significant influence on modernity, Heidegger's theories have been discussed by people from different periods and countries. However, this paper focuses on adolescents in East Asian countries and explores the significance of his views on anxiety and death for them. Given the cultural background of Confucianism and Taoism in East Asian countries, and taking into account the development of East Asian countries in the last half century, Heidegger's theories provide an explanation for the higher suicide rate among East Asian adolescents. They fall in the conformities that society invites them to obey, and reject with death a life with no alternative possibilities. At the same time, however, Heidegger's view has certain limitations and deficiencies in the present. Young people rebel against philosophies promoting uniformity and require a theory to navigate their particular complexities and dilemmas. Heidegger's philosophy can aid our comprehension of young people's current situation and requirements in East Asia.