Abstract
This paper provides an interpretation of Heideggerâs âThe Origin of the Work of Artâ (hereinafter cited as âthe OWAâ) that establishes the primacy of art as a dynamic phenomenon that provides the mode through which the Being of the world is revealed in its truth. For readers unfamiliar with Heideggerâs unusual methodology and usage of philosophic terminology, this sentence requires some preliminary unpacking. For this reason, I will first provide some definitional guidance about what Heidegger means by âartâ and by âtruthâ in the OWA, although it is important to understand that for Heidegger, understanding involves not definition but âfeeling oneâs way along.â Second, I will discuss how art acts as the leading dynamic phenomenon as I critique the following two arguments: (1) John Bruinâs argument that Heidegger considers Van Goghâs Old Shoes [link] painting to be merely high-quality rather than great art because it is representational; and (2) Abraham Mansbachâs assertion that Heideggerâs âturnâ from Being and Time to the OWA involves a change in agency from the artist to the art work (rather than to the phenomenon of art). These two views will be evaluated and ultimately rejected because they do not adequately grasp that art is the originating agent. This interpretation is based on a close textual analysis of the OWA (with mention of other works that support this analysis) as if the OWA itself were a work of art standing entirely in the âopen light of the truth.â For this reason, no reference will be made to the historical or sociopolitical context of the OWA or to Heideggerâs reprehensible involvement with the Nazi party. Letâs begin by unpacking the term âart.â
Highlights
This paper provides an interpretation of Heideggerâs âThe Origin of the Work of Artâ that establishes the primacy of art as a dynamic phenomenon that provides the mode through which the Being of the world is revealed in its truth.1 For readers unfamiliar with Heideggerâs unusual methodology and usage of philosophic terminology, this sentence requires some preliminary unpacking
I will discuss how art acts as the leading dynamic phenomenon as I critique the following two arguments: (1) John Bruinâs argument that Heidegger considers Van Goghâs Old Shoes [link]
Painting to be merely high-quality rather than great art because it is representational;3 and (2) Abraham Mansbachâs assertion that Heideggerâs âturnâ from Being and Time to the OWA involves a change in agency from the artist to the art work4.5
Summary
This paper provides an interpretation of Heideggerâs âThe Origin of the Work of Artâ (hereinafter cited as âthe OWAâ) that establishes the primacy of art as a dynamic phenomenon that provides the mode through which the Being of the world is revealed in its truth. For readers unfamiliar with Heideggerâs unusual methodology and usage of philosophic terminology, this sentence requires some preliminary unpacking. For readers unfamiliar with Heideggerâs unusual methodology and usage of philosophic terminology, this sentence requires some preliminary unpacking For this reason, I will first provide some definitional guidance about what Heidegger means by âartâ and by âtruthâ in the OWA, it is important to understand that for Heidegger, understanding involves not definition but âfeeling oneâs way along.â. Painting to be merely high-quality rather than great art because it is representational; and (2) Abraham Mansbachâs assertion that Heideggerâs âturnâ from Being and Time to the OWA involves a change in agency from the artist to the art work (rather than to the phenomenon of art).5 These two views will be evaluated and rejected because they do not adequately grasp that art is the originating agent. This interpretation is based on a close textual analysis of the OWA (with mention of other works that support this analysis) as if the OWA itself were a work of art standing entirely in the âopen light of the truth.â For this reason, no reference will be made to the historical or sociopolitical context of the OWA or to Heideggerâs reprehensible involvement with the Nazi party. Letâs begin by unpacking the term âart.â
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