Mapping the Present: Heidegger, Foucault and the Project of a Spatial History

by Stuart Elden

In a late interview, Foucault, suggested that Heidegger was for him the "essential philosopher." Taking this claim seriously, Mapping the Present assesses the relationship between these two thinkers, particularly on the issue of space and history. It suggests that space and history need to be rethought, and combined as a spatial history, rather than as a history of space. In other words, space should become not merely an object of analysis, but a tool of analysis.The first half of the book concentrates on Heidegger: from the early occlusion of space, through the politically charged readings of Nietzsche and Holderlin, to the later work on art, technology and the polis which accord equal status to issues of spatiality. Foucault's work is then rethought in the light of the analysis of Heidegger, and the project of a spatial history established through re-readings of his works on madness and discipline..

Genres: Space, Philosophy

Paperback

First published August 1, 2001

Reviews

[Ian]

Written by my brother, some parts a little over my head but I got more out of it than I dared hope! He's a professor of Philosophy but has a really clear writing style so you can read it without being a student of the field - but I suspect it may help!

[Otto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding writing, excellent use of citations and a great introduction to the notions of space in Heidegger and Foucault, as well as shedding light on how the latter interpreted the former's works.