Hegel, Heidegger, and the Ground of History - by Michael Allen Gillespie Paperback

Book Synopsis

In this wide-ranging and thoughtful study, Michael Allen Gillespie explores the philosophical foundation, or ground, of the concept of history. Analyzing the historical conflict between human nature and freedom, he centers his discussion on Hegel and Heidegger but also draws on the pertinent thought of other philosophers whose contributions to the debate is crucial-particularly Rousseau, Kant, and Nietzsche.

From the Back Cover

This thoughtful and stimulating work boldly takes on the task of assessing the thought of both Hegel and Heidegger. Gillespie seeks to explain how these two philosophers have tried to understand what history means when takes as a whole, and what significance history has for illuminating our essential characteristics, goals and limits.

Review Quotes

"A fine and thoughtful study which is as intelligent as its subject demands and as lucid as it permits."-- "Times Higher Education"

"This is a marvelously learned and persistently thoughtful study. Gillespie's presentation of Heidegger's critique of modernity is a model of philosophical commentary, and should be required reading for all those interested in appreciating the implications for political philosophy of Heidegger's thought as a whole."-- "Queen's Quarterly"

"This thoughtful and stimulating work boldly takes on the task of assessing the thought of both Hegel and Heidegger. Gillespie seeks to explain how these two philosophers have tried to understand what history means when taken as a whole, and what significance history has for illuminating our essential characteristics, goals, and limits. . . . Gillespie's book provides both a comprehensive overview of the political and philosophical orientation of Hegel and Heidegger and then also a more specific treatment of their attempt to fathom whether there is a 'ground of history, ' whether it is based in something intelligible and coherent. Gillespie's account of the general outlines of the thought of Hegel and Heidegger is a marvel of clarity."-- "American Political Science Review"

About the Author

Michael Allen Gillespie is professor of political science and philosophy at Duke University.