Martin Heidegger

German philosopher and seminal thinker in the Continental tradition and philosophical hermeneutics. Born in Messkirch, Germany 26 September 1889. Died in Freiburg im Breisgau, 26 May 1976.

Martin Heidegger is widely acknowledged to be one of the most original and important philosophers of the 20th century, while remaining one of the most controversial. His thinking has contributed to such diverse fields as phenomenology (Merleau-Ponty), existentialism (Sartre, Ortega y Gasset), hermeneutics (Gadamer, Ricoeur), political theory (Arendt, Marcuse, Habermas), psychology (Boss, Binswanger, Rollo May), and theology (Bultmann, Rahner, Tillich). His critique of traditional metaphysics and his opposition to positivism and technological world domination have been embraced by leading theorists of postmodernity (Derrida, Foucault, and Lyotard).

About

Since 1967, the Heidegger Circle has met annually to discuss the thought and writings of Martin Heidegger.

Our Story

The Heidegger Circle is committed to the understanding, interpretation, and advancement of the philosophy of Martin Heidegger.

The Heidegger Circle was founded in 1967 at DePaul University, where it held its first meeting. It is now a well-established, international organization of faculty, students, and independent scholars interested in developing new ways of thinking about Heidegger’s philosophy. The Heidegger Circle holds an annual meeting, usually held in May, devoted to the interpretation of Heidegger’s ideas. The Circle also hosts an online forum for discussion of Heidegger’s philosophy throughout the year, and it sponsors a print journal, Gatherings: The Heidegger Circle Annual, which includes philosophical articles and book reviews. As an organization, the Heidegger Circle recognizes the enduring significance of Heidegger’s thinking, and it welcomes free and open debate on his work.

Executive Committee

Presiding Officer

John Rose, Goucher College

Secretary-Treasurer

Matthew Krüger-Ross, West Chester University

At-Large Committee Members

Katherine Davies, University of Texas at Dallas
Jessica Elkayam, Sam Houston State University

Graduate Student Representative

Rylie Johnson, Emory University

Ombuds

Julia Ireland, Whitman College

Executive Committee Members

Shane Ewegen, Trinity College (Future Host)
Daniel Dahlstrom, Boston University (Current Host)
James Bahoh, University of Memphis (Past Host)

Past Presiding Officers

Julia Ireland, Whitman College (2017-2021)
Richard Polt, Xavier University (2014-2017)
William McNeill, DePaul University (2011-2014)
Daniel Dahlstrom, Boston University ( 2008-2011)

Webshepard

Richard Ackermann, Independent Scholar

Gatherings Editor

Scott Campbell, Nazareth College

Statement on Professional Respect and Inclusivity

The Heidegger Circle is committed to sustaining a climate of professional respect and inclusivity. We do not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, ethnicity, nation of origin, sex, gender identification or expression, sexual orientation, disability, socioeconomic class, age, and/or religion in any form. We expect that anyone who participates in the Circle’s activities respects and upholds this commitment. Publications and papers presented at meetings of the Circle should use gender-inclusive language, except when quoting sources that do not. All events organized for the Circle should consider accessibility and strive to be as inclusive as possible.

Heidegger Circle Mentoring Program

The Heidegger Circle Mentoring Program is in search of both mentors and mentees for the 2022-23 cohort. This one-year program is designed to 1) support emerging scholars whose work involves Heidegger in some way and 2) foster cross-generational community within the Heidegger Circle. Participants need not be current members of the Heidegger Circle.

Structure and Purpose of the Program:

  • The Mentoring Program offers two tracks: the “Job Candidate Track” and the “Career Development Track.” The Job Candidate Track is intended for emerging scholars who are on or preparing to go on the academic job market. The Career Development track is intended for emerging scholars who are actively working to add a substantial CV line item, such as a conference presentation, publication, or grant.

  • The program is dedicated to supporting emerging scholars–primarily, but not limited to advanced graduate students–who are preparing for career milestones and institutional advancement, particularly the academic job market. Potential mentees who have mentoring needs outside of this scope are nevertheless encouraged to contact the program facilitator to determine whether the program may be able to offer support tailored to their specific needs.

  • The program facilitator and program advisory committee will match mentors and mentees in late summer. Over the course of the academic year, mentors and mentees will commit to three virtual meetings, two in the fall and one in the spring. Suggested meeting agendas and activities will be provided.

  • Mentors will also be asked to read and provide feedback on a work-in-progress, likely select documents from the mentee’s job application dossier or a research paper in-progress.

  • We expect mentees to spend up to 5 hours participating in this program. Mentors may volunteer up to 10 hours over the academic year. The Mentoring Program facilitator will solicit feedback from participants at the conclusion of the program.

How to get involved:

  • If you are interested in participating as a Mentee for the ‘22-’23 cohort, please sign up here: https://forms.gle/MP9xb5oPESxo4e1YA

  • If you are interested in participating as a Mentor for the ‘22-’23 cohort, please sign up here: https://forms.gle/6zE3VE5pkB1sr41YA

  • If you have any questions or suggestions, please don’t hesitate to contact program facilitator Kate Davies by using the “Contact” function on this website.