Heidegger’s concept of Angst, or anxiety, is a central aspect of his philosophy, and is closely related to his concept of Being-in-the-world. In this essay, we will explore Heidegger’s concept of Angst and its significance.
Heidegger’s philosophy is concerned with the question of Being, and he argues that human existence is characterized by a fundamental sense of anxiety or unease. This anxiety arises from the fact that human beings are always already situated within a particular context or world, and are never able to fully transcend this context.
For Heidegger, Angst is not a negative emotion, but rather a positive and essential aspect of human existence. It is through Angst that individuals become aware of their own mortality, and are forced to confront the fundamental finitude and contingency of their existence.
Moreover, Angst is also a key aspect of human freedom. Human beings are always already situated within a particular world, but they are also free to transcend this world and create new possibilities. This freedom is both exhilarating and terrifying, and it is through Angst that individuals become aware of the full extent of their own freedom.
Heidegger’s concept of Angst has significant implications for ethics. If human existence is characterized by a fundamental sense of anxiety, then ethics must be based on a recognition of the contingency and finitude of human existence. Heidegger argues that individuals must take responsibility for their own existence, and must recognize the essential contingency of their own being.
Moreover, Heidegger argues that ethics must be based on an understanding of the essential interconnectedness of all things. Human beings are not isolated individuals, but are rather situated within a larger network of beings and relations. It is through this interconnectedness that individuals can become aware of the full extent of their own freedom, and can begin to create new possibilities for themselves and for the world.
However, Heidegger’s concept of Angst has also been criticized. Some argue that it can lead to a sense of nihilism or despair, in which individuals feel as though their lives have no value or meaning. Moreover, it can lead to a lack of concern for others, as individuals may prioritize their own desires and values over the needs and desires of others.
Heidegger responds to these criticisms by arguing that Angst is not a negative emotion, but rather a necessary and positive aspect of human existence. Moreover, he argues that the recognition of the contingency and finitude of human existence can actually lead individuals to become more concerned for others, precisely because they are more fully engaged with the world and with their own mortality.
In conclusion, Heidegger’s concept of Angst is a central aspect of his philosophy, and is closely related to his concept of Being-in-the-world. While some may view Angst as a negative emotion, Heidegger argues that it is actually a positive and essential aspect of human existence. Through Angst, individuals become aware of the fundamental contingency and finitude of their existence, and are forced to confront their own mortality. This awareness is the basis for human freedom, and for the possibility of creating new possibilities for ourselves and for the world.