Metaphysics Quote by Lee Braver
““He describes A5 here as the act of thinking determining Being: Thinking sets itself against Being in such a way that Being is re-presented to thinking, and consequently stands against thinking like an ob-ject. . . . Consequently, thinking is no longer just the opposing member in some new distinction but becomes the basis on which one decides about what stands against it, so much so that Being in general gets interpreted on the basis of thinking. . . . In the seemingly irrelevant division Being and thinking we have to recognize that fundamental orientation of the spirit of the West that is the real target of our attack. (Heidegger, IM 123–24, last italics added)””
About This Quote
Source Book: Heidegger, Introduction to Metaphysics, 1935
Thinking defines being, making being appear as an object to thought, and thus shaping how we interpret existence.
In simple terms: Thinking frames how we see being.
Key Takeaway
Recognize how concepts shape perception.
Themes
philosophy
ontology
epistemology
Mood
analytical
critical
introspective
Type
philosophical
theoretical
When to use this quote
- academic lecture
- philosophical analysis
- teaching
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
Heideggerian thought
Western metaphysics
Questions to Reflect On
- How does your own thinking limit your view of reality?
- Can you imagine being without thought?
A Different Perspective
This view may overlook non-Western perspectives on being.
