Kraft des Überschusses: Versuch über die Dynamik metaphysischen Denkens

Publications: Contribution to bookChapterPeer Reviewed

Abstract

This article is seeking to explore “the mystery of the plurality of metaphysical concepts” (Patočka). By following a Heideggerian line of reasoning, I will argue that it is due to the nonrepresentational character of being that metaphysics splits into a multitude of alternating approaches. Unlike Heidegger and his successors, however, I will suggest understanding the non-objectivity of being not as radical negativity, but rather as an ultra-positive surplus or abundance. The first part of the article will thus point out how metaphysical thinking is kept in motion by the surplus of being. Borrowing from Gregory of Nyssa, I will identify this as its epektatic, ever self-transcending character. The second, systematic part will build on this. It will discuss to what extent one may conceive the history of metaphysics as an epektatic movement. Finally, the last part will examine ways of establishing a relationship between the excessive metaphysical dynamics of being and phenomenology.
Original languageGerman
Title of host publicationPhänomenologie und Metaphysik / Phénoménologie & Métaphysique
EditorsInga Römer, Alexander Schnell
PublisherFelix Meiner
Pages117-133
Number of pages17
ISBN (Print)978-3787337910
Publication statusPublished - 26 May 2020

Publication series

SeriesPhänomenologische Forschungen

Austrian Fields of Science 2012

  • 603110 Metaphysics
  • 603112 Phenomenology

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