The Experiential Ontology of Hannah Arendt

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In The Experiential Ontology of Hannah Arendt, Kim Maslin examines Hannah Arendts political philosophy through a Heideggerian framework. Maslin argues that not only did Arendt grew beyond the role of nave and beguiled student, but she became one of Heideggers most astute critics. Well acquainted with and deeply respectful of his contributions to existential philosophy, Arendt viewed Heideggers work as both profoundly insightful and extraordinarily myopic. Not contented to simply offer a critique of her mentors work, Arendt engaged in a lifelong struggle to come to terms with the collective implications of fundamental ontology. Maslin argues that Arendt shifted to political philosophy less to escape her own disappointment at Heideggers personal betrayal, but rather as an attempt to right the collective flaws of fundamental ontology. Her project offers a politically responsive, hence responsible, modification of Heideggers fundamental ontology. She suggests that Heideggers allegedly descriptive and non-normative insight into the nature of being is necessarily incomplete, and potentially irresponsible, unless it is undertaken in a manner which is mindful of the collective implications. As such, Maslin shows how Arendt attempts to construct an experiential ontology that transforms Heideggers fundamental ontology for use in the public sphere.

Reviews

"Kimberly Maslin offers a fresh perspective on 'thinking Arendt through Heidegger.'
She traces the sweep of Arendt's work from Totalitarianism to its prescient compatibility with current issues: including fake news, alternative facts, and ultimately identity politics and #MeToo. Maslin's argument gives life to Arendt's brilliance and relevance for our times, bridging the gap between philosophy and political action."

Author Bio

Kimberly Maslin is professor of politics at Hendrix College.