Martin Heidegger (1889 – 1976) was a German philosopher, best known for his contributions to existentialism and phenomenology. His seminal work, Being and Time (1927), introduced the concept of Dasein – a term describing human existence as fundamentally linked to the world. His exploration of ontology, technology, and language had a lasting impact on 20th-century philosophy.
Born in Messkirch, Germany, Heidegger initially studied theology before shifting to philosophy at the University of Freiburg. He became a student of Edmund Husserl, whose phenomenological methods heavily influenced his early work. In 1927, Being and Time established Heidegger as a major thinker, redefining the study of existence. However, his career remains controversial due to his affiliation with the Nazi Party during his tenure as rector of Freiburg University in 1933 – 34. Though he later distanced himself from politics, this period cast a shadow over his legacy.
After World War II, Heidegger was temporarily banned from teaching but resumed lectures in the 1950s. His later works, such as The Question Concerning Technology, explored the dangers of technological domination over human thought. Despite controversy, Heidegger’s influence extends across disciplines, shaping existentialist, postmodern, and hermeneutic philosophy.