T 2/12 Heidegger, selections from Being and Time (355-356, 387-389, 436-438, 446-447); Letter on Humanism 239-255

1. In Heidegger’s discussion of authentic resoluteness in Being and Time, he states that the current situation “cannot be calculated in advance …” (355). What does this suggest about the nature of authentic decisionmaking? In this light, Heidegger’s notion of repetition – the authentic manner of taking up the past – may seem paradoxical. How do these two ideas cohere with one another?

2. According to Heidegger, what do humanism and metaphysics share in common? How do Heidegger’s comments about the essence of the human being distinguish it from metaphysics?

3. What does Heidegger have to say about Sartre’s claim that existence precedes essence and his claim that we are in a situation where there are only human beings? How does Heidegger contrast his own views?