The Paradox of Home in Heidegger’s Philosophy

Abstract

Heidegger’s philosophy has influenced largely the humanities and arts and has also been a source of interest in architecture. Although Heidegger has written on architecture, this paper will argue that one of the key topics in his philosophy, intertwined with architecture, is the concept of home (das Heim). In Heidegger’s philosophy, the homely (das Heimische) was intertwined with its opposition, the uncanny (das Unheimliche). This paper discusses the different understandings of home in Heidegger’s seminal works. The paradoxical structure of home in Heidegger’s philosophy is discussed, as home in Heidegger’s philosophy is impossible for modern man with his horrifying nature, perpetuated by the uncanny.