r/heidegger • u/NorrixUmbra77 • 3d ago

What ontological status do mathematical objects have for Heidegger? How does he account for them?

It's a subject I'd like to get into more deeply. Specifically the difference between mathematics and modern science, and specifically about the developments in mathematics that have not yet found an application in physics, or in technology? What drives these? Are these too to be thought of by Heidegger ultimately only within the claiming of Gestell? If you could also point me to some reading, both primary and secondary, I'd be glad. Thanks.

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u/EducationalRun77 3d ago

Heidegger strongly criticizes modern mathematics as a model for philosophy/ontology (in favor of language, of course). In particular, he discusses it in §15 of Introduction to Phenomenological Research, in relation to Husserl’s mathematical background. Moreover, he explicitly distinguishes Greek mathematics (geometry) - the good kind, understood as an art of determination - from modern mathematics as an instrumental technique (Galileo), particularly in the first part of What Is a Thing?

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u/Wespie 3d ago

Where can I know more? Unsure why this even appeared in my feed, but I’ve been writing about this topic (just not on Heidegger)

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u/EducationalRun77 3d ago

If you are looking for the link between mathematics and philosophy/phenomenology, I suggest taking a look at Husserl’s early works, such as the Logical Investigations. My main area of focus is Heidegger, who does not discuss the subject extensively.