Inkpin, Andrew Mark; (2003) The conception and role of language in Heidegger's "Being and Time". Masters thesis (M.Phil), UCL (University College London).

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Abstract

Heidegger's Being and Time (BT) is characterized by evocative, idiosyncratic, but highly deliberate use of language. The thesis argues that this is due to a conception of language informed by his general commitments to phenomenological philosophy and assesses the merits of such an approach. The phenomenological character of BT is first investigated in the context of Heidegger's attempt to radicalize the foundational programme of Husserl's Logical Investigations. A central part of this was Heidegger's development of a distinctively phenomenological conception of philosophical concepts as formal indication. Because this forms the basis of Heidegger's general conception of language in BT, formal indication is examined in some detail. The conception of language and its methodological role in BT itself are discussed against this background. Having outlined the general treatment of language in the analysis of Dasein, I examine Heidegger's ambivalent view of day-to-day language use, arguing that this ambivalence is prefigured in the earlier conception of formal indication. This suggests that routine language use engenders a state of understanding characterized by emptiness or a lack of actual awareness of its objects. To counteract this, Heidegger advocates the development of concepts appropriate to and expressive of the phenomenal relationships they address. It is therefore argued that at least some of the idiosyncrasies of the language in BT itself are motivated by and provide examples of this kind of expressive concept. Finally, the success of this conception of language is assessed critically in the light of its key commitment to remain true to phenomena. Following some general considerations, a comparison with Wittgensteins later views is used in evaluating Heideggers treatment of day-to-day language. Finally, some of the difficulties resulting from Heidegger's attempts to move beyond normal use to more 'proper' uses of language are addressed.

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