A Commentary on Heidegger's Being and Time

by Michael Gelven

This thoroughly revised commentary uses the most recent insights in Heidegger studies to lead the reader through the sometimes difficult text of Being and Time. The clearly marked section-by-section analysis explains the structure of Being and Time, illuminates obscure passages, and presents examples of human experience to elucidate Heidegger's points. So that the reader does not lose sight of the main argument, Gelven summarizes the relevant concepts of Heidegger's chapters prior to his explicit interpretation of each section. Even though Gelven's commentary is primarily intended to be used as a supplement to Being and Time, the text also serves as an articulate study in Heideggerian philosophy.

Genres: Philosophy

244 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1989

Reviews

[Feliks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a worthwhile read. Clear, lucid, precise, succinct, fog-penetrating explanations. Not a lengthy book at all! 244 pages (but, a full third of this is probably things like glossary, endnotes, credits, sources, preface, dedication, updated preface, list of further reading, index, table-of-contents, & publisher's notes). Still, Gelven doesn't belabor his points, either. He covers a lot of ground in a short space. He doesn't dilly-dally, hem-and-haw, or tarry. The pace is calm but brisk and purposeful. Bravo!

[Mimi]

I’m not sure how to rate this book. Being and Time seemed to be impenetrable, so I have delved into many secondary works until I decided to stick with one that seemed to be the clearest in explaining the key thoughts of Heideggers magnificent work. I’ve also listened to many lectures from others and first tried to grasp the trajectory of Heideggers main issues. As I started reading the work itself (which I haven’t finished) I couldn’t help but think something is missing. This book was a great guide in explaining Heideggers language, it helped me a lot. What I also like about Gelven is that he does his very best to explain Heidegger in his own terms, but he is missing out on the many layers Heidegger is trying to unfold in a metaphysical sense. Perhaps he chose not to do so because the book is meant to be a guiding commentary.

I also read Dreyfus (and many others) in bits and pieces (along with his lectures). His interpretation of Heidegger seems to be very limited. Same goes for another lecturer who starts out with saying the work could have been called “World and time”. Delete. To most Heidegger is either a social constructivist, an existentialist, phenomenologist, etc.

I ditched all of it the minute I have found Richardson. His introduction alone is very convincing and comprehensive. The only secondary work I know of that seems to get it right. Now I can continue reading Being and time feeling assured of having an adequate companion.

[Imran Rasid · Rating 5 out of 5]

For those who did tried and get really frustrated reading Heidegger's Being and Time for its impenetrability and obscure language, this book is definitely THE best start as a preliminary reading on Heidegger's basic philosophical project.

Having read The Philosophy of Heidegger by Michael Watts, and Cambridge Introduction to Heidegger's Being and Time by Paul Gorner, i was still left confused and unsatisfied as there are bits in their explanation that still raised few questions in my head.

So i decided to get to other readings of the same subject, and feeling a bit divided on whether i should pick up Michael Gelven's A Commentary on Heidegger's Being and Time, or i should start reading Being in the World: Commentary on Heidegger's "Being and Time", Division 1 by teh famous Heidegger's expert,Hubert L Dreyfus.

I decided to stick with the former as i already in the process of following Dreyfus's lecture on youtube, and i could never be more right. Gelven illustrates Heidegger's philosophical exploration of "Being" in a clear, lucid manner without having to undermine the power of the original book itself.

Definitely one of the best guidebook on Heidegger out there in the market!

P/S: ah yes, if i can add, Michael Inwood's Dictionary of Heidegger is also quite useful for reference purposes.

[Billie Pritchett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michael Gelven's Commentary on Heidegger's Being and Time is a clear exposition of Martin Heidegger's work. Here is the brief sketch of Heidegger's work. Most of a person's daily activities are habitual and do not involve that person being conscious of her activities. Most of the use the person makes of the objects in her environment involves treating those objects as means to other ends. However, the person is only really aware of her environment when something in the environment malfunctions or breaks down. Otherwise, the person goes on about her day. Another means to raise awareness about what one is doing, though, is awareness of one's finitude. When the person stops to reflect on her activities and the importance of those activities given the relatively short time she has on Earth, she has an opportunity to make sure she is engaging in those activities that are meaningful for her specifically and that she would reasonably want to engage in given her short time on Earth. This allows the person a new way to frame the experiences of her past, the present situation, and the ends she would like to reach.

I warn that this is not the kind of language Heidegger uses. This above explanation would have been too prosaic to him. But for the work's relevance, this is his view in a nutshell. And Michael Gelven does an excellent job of providing this interpretation, more or less.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gelven's commentary is a solid if basic reader's guide to Being and Time. He hits the important notes and explains them in clear terms. I recommend this as a beginner's introduction to Heidegger but would suggest supplementing Gelven with other commenters. Namely Dreyfus for Division 1 and Haugeland for Division 2. Some highlights of the books were the sections on interpretation, authenticity, and care. While I think the sections on death and guilt were a little weaker (FYI Haugeland's really good on that stuff)

[Ben Lawton · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the perspective of a student, teacher, or academic, this commentary is invaluable. It was well worth the read especially given its accessible language. You know an author has a full grasp of what he's talking about when it's easy to follow through. Truly the best section-by-section commentary out there.

[jt · Rating 4 out of 5]

More an extended introduction than a commentary, but useful nonetheless. Warning: the author appears to harbor a bias against theological claims.

[mwr · Rating 2 out of 5]

Though I could not tell you what they are now, when I read this years ago I was convinced that he misunderstood several important parts of the book he was commenting on.