Online Seminar: the University of Sussex Philosophy Society in conjunction with the Royal Institute of Philosophy – 22 Nov 2024.
“Sartre Contra Heidegger”
Dr. Jacob McNulty (Yale University)
Online Research Seminar – Friday 22nd November, 2024
On Friday 22nd November at 3:30-5 (London time), the University of Sussex Philosophy Society will host Dr. Jacob McNulty (Yale University) for an online Research Seminar entitled “Sartre Contra Heidegger”. Talks are open to the public, and all are welcome to attend and share the event information. The University of Sussex Philosophy Society is a Local Partner of the Royal Institute of Philosophy. More information about upcoming events can be found here: https://sussexphilosophysociety.weebly.com/
To receive the Zoom link for this event, please email Robb Dunphy at [email protected]
Abstract:
I consider two arguments from Being and Nothingness that take aim at Heidegger’s attempt to purge philosophy of Cartesian categories like consciousness, the subject and the Cogito. The first argument, discussed by Alain Renaut, holds that these Cartesian categories are indispensable for making sense of the other human capacities that Heidegger invokes instead: for example, skills and practices; projects; and taking a stance on one’s being. The second argument, discussed by Manfred Frank, is that one cannot non-circularly explain the capacities foregrounded by the Cartesian tradition without already presupposing them. Along the way I reject as simplistic the idea that Sartre betrayed Heidegger for Cartesianism. Instead, I think Sartre’s provocative idea was that Heidegger’s project, if it was to succeed, had to be rethought in Cartesian terms.