Suggested Topics, Paper #1 – Contemporary Continental Philosophy

1. Examine Heidegger’s views about the essence of language, contrasting it with other views and considering other topics such as renunciative saying and the role of human agency in the experience and opening of language.

2. Summarize and evaluate the criticisms of Heidegger developed by Levinas and Derrida. To what extent do they rely on and attempt to surpass his own critique of presence and metaphysics?

3. How does Heidegger attempt to articulate the relationship of thought to that which stands beyond it, and the possibility of singular events?

Requirements: 5-6 pages, 12 point type, double-spaced, page numbers, citations (any standard style), bibliography.