How can we most usefully interpret Heidegger's philosophies ?
In its long introduction, this book takes a position on the debate relaunched by Emmanuel Faye in his work Heidegger, l'introduction du nazisme dans la philosophie and strives to set guidelines for interpreting the compromised philosopher's work. It highlights two well-known aspects of his philosophy as "treacherous" or virtually contaminated: "being for death" and “overcoming metaphysics.”
The author then establishes a relationship between Heidegger's political failure and the way in which he defied and distanced himself from science and the mind which was ultimately and essentially his own. Yet he also strives to paint – perhaps contrary to Heidegger's intent – a portrait of certain typically Heideggerian themes (such as hermeneutics or the ontological difference) likely to help the reader better grasp the importance of scientific thought. Moreover, from one chapter to the next, the author provides readers with a broad overview of the bonds between Heidegger's philosophy and the various aspects of science: logic, mathematics, physics and cognitive sciences.
In his more localized and discreet conclusion, the author introduces some points to consider about Heidegger's relationship with Kant, or with the Jews, and their traditional interest in commentary and observance.

Jean-Michel Salanskis is a Professor of Philosophy in the areas of science, logics and epistemology at Université de Paris X-Nanterre. He has worked in the field of epistemology and on phenomenology and contemporary philosophy, as well as on the Jewish tradition. His notable works include Heidegger and Husserl, which are part of Les Belles Lettres' "Figures du savoir" Collection. His latest published books are: Philosophie des mathématiques, and Usages contemporains de la phénoménologie.