Being and Time

By: Martin Heidegger

Narrated by: Martyn Swain, Taylor Carman

In his lucid introduction to this recording, Professor Taylor Carman declares unequivocally that Being and Time by Martin Heidegger (1889-1976) is ‘one of the great masterpieces of 20th century philosophy.’ And that is despite the fact that it is unquestionably a challenging listen. But by placing it in its historical context - the key work on existentialism between Søren Kierkegaard (1813-1855) and Jean-Paul Sartre (1905-1980) - it becomes much easier to approach.

As Professor Carman explains, ‘Being and Time addresses a seemingly simple question: What does it mean to be?’ As far as we know, human beings are the only existing things ‘with an understanding of what it is for something to exist’ and, furthermore, are aware of their own existence. Heidegger chose the German word Dasein - existence: literally ‘being there’ - instead of more common expressions such as man, human being, soul, consciousness, etc. And he embarks upon his investigation, considering ‘being there in-the-world, in time (past, present, future); discussing ‘authentic’ and ‘inauthentic’ living and dying; and the acceptance of impermanence. ‘Dasein’s existence is pervaded by a primordial kind of anxiety (Angst)’, Carman remarks, but points out that the concept of care is central to Heidegger’s view: ‘to be a human being is to care about something’.

Being and Time was published in 1927 during the Weimar period in Germany, a time of political, social and economic turmoil. Heidegger himself did not escape the pressures, and his nationalism and undeniable anti-Semitism in the following decades cast a shadow over the man, but not the work. Being and Time is not coloured by expressions of his later views (unlike other writings) and remains an outstanding document.

This recording opens with Professor Carman reading his introduction. Being and Time is read by Martyn Swain.

Translation: John Macquarrie and Edward Robinson.©1967 Wiley Blackwell (P)2020 Ukemi Productions Ltd

Impressive Achievement on the part of the Reader

It is not easy to read Heidegger with evident comprehension, but that is precisely what Martyn Swain does here. I bought this on a whim because it was on sale, and it ended up being the most enjoyable listening experience I've had in years. The fact that Swain understands what he's reading makes it much easier to follow Heidegger's train of thought, and more enjoyable. I especially appreciated the little touches, like the fact that he knows how to pronounce the occasional German, Greek, and Latin correctly. Just a stellar job by the reader. The book itself is absolutely brilliant, and if you steep in the thinking of Division One long enough it can totally transform your outlook on philosophy.

Congrats!

A locução, e a tradução para o inglês, estão ótimas!
O livro é fenomenal. Traz luz ao entendimento de que o que enxergamos no dia a dia (mundialidade) de uma forma muito diferente.

Difficult to hold onto

I’ll clearly have to listen to a lot more philosophy to make heads or tails of this material. It’s hard to really judge the ‘story’, and I personally think it’s fair to downrate philosophy texts for their difficulty, though you may disagree. I’ve found philosophy interesting lately, and perhaps I’ll revisit this rating later.

I found the presentation pleasant and relaxing without being monotone, and I noticed only one word in a very long work such that I thought said word had been mispronounced or spoken unclearly. I praise the narrator’s steadiness and clarity.

Audacious Ukemi

In terms of scale of ambition, quality of content, and quality of execution, Ukemi has long surpassed Naxos to say nothing of the rest.

Great

I have not yet "read" this audio. But just the fact that this book now is available as audio is 5 big stars.