Hannah Arendt and Martin Heidegger: A Complex and Enduring Relationship

Hannah Arendt and Martin Heidegger were two of the most important philosophers of the 20th century. Their relationship was complex and enduring, and it had a profound impact on both of their lives and work.

Early Years

Arendt was born in Hanover, Germany, in 1906. Heidegger was born in Meßkirch, Germany, in 1889. They first met in 1924, when Arendt was a student at the University of Marburg. Heidegger was one of her professors, and she was immediately drawn to his brilliance and originality.

Hannah Arendt and Martin Heidegger: History of a Love (Studies in Continental Thought)

by Mehrsa Baradaran

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Arendt and Heidegger quickly became close friends. They spent many hours discussing philosophy, politics, and life. Arendt was particularly impressed by Heidegger's insights into the nature of being and the human condition.

In 1929, Arendt graduated from the University of Marburg and moved to Berlin. She continued to stay in close contact with Heidegger, and they often visited each other.

The Nazi Era

In 1933, the Nazis came to power in Germany. Heidegger was a member of the Nazi Party for a brief period, but he quickly became disillusioned with the regime. Arendt was Jewish, and she was forced to flee Germany in 1933.

Arendt went to Paris, where she worked as a journalist and political activist. She continued to stay in contact with Heidegger, and they often discussed the political situation in Germany.

In 1940, Arendt was forced to flee Paris because of the Nazi invasion of France. She went to the United States, where she eventually became a citizen.

Post-War Years

After the war, Arendt and Heidegger resumed their friendship. They visited each other often, and they continued to discuss philosophy and politics.

Arendt was deeply critical of Heidegger's Nazi past, but she never broke off their friendship. She believed that Heidegger was a great philosopher, and she wanted to learn from him.

Heidegger was also critical of his own Nazi past. He admitted that he had made a mistake in joining the party, and he said that he regretted his actions.

Arendt and Heidegger continued to be friends until Arendt's death in 1975. Heidegger died in 1976.

The Nature of Their Relationship

The relationship between Arendt and Heidegger was complex and multifaceted. It was a friendship, a love affair, and an intellectual exchange.

Arendt and Heidegger were attracted to each other's intelligence and brilliance. They were both passionate about philosophy, and they loved to debate and discuss ideas.

Arendt was also attracted to Heidegger's physicality. She was a tall, athletic woman, and she was drawn to Heidegger's strength and virility.

Heidegger was attracted to Arendt's intelligence and her independent spirit. He was also drawn to her beauty and her vitality.

Arendt and Heidegger's relationship was not without its problems. They had different political views, and they often disagreed about philosophy. However, they were able to overcome their differences and maintain their friendship.

The Significance of Their Relationship

The relationship between Arendt and Heidegger was significant for both of their lives and work.

Arendt's relationship with Heidegger helped her to develop her own philosophy. She was influenced by his ideas about being and the human condition, but she also developed her own unique perspective.

Heidegger's relationship with Arendt helped him to see the world from a different perspective. He was influenced by her insights into politics and the human condition, and he came to see the importance of human freedom and responsibility.

The relationship between Arendt and Heidegger is a fascinating and complex story. It is a story of love, friendship, and intellectual exchange. It is a story that has had a profound impact on the history of philosophy.

Further Reading

* Arendt, Hannah. The Life of the Mind. New York: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1978. * Heidegger, Martin. Being and Time. Translated by John Macquarrie and Edward Robinson. New York: Harper & Row, 1962. * Young-Bruehl, Elizabeth. Hannah Arendt: For Love of the World. New Haven: Yale University Press, 1982.

Hannah Arendt and Martin Heidegger: History of a Love (Studies in Continental Thought)

by Mehrsa Baradaran

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	9359 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	335 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE