New Review – Heidegger’s Philosophic Pedagogy

Educational Philosophy and Theory has published my review of Michael Ermantraut’s book, Heidegger’s Philosophic Pedagogy. The author also published a thoughtful response. (I cannot post my own copy because of my agreement with the publisher, but I am happy to share a copy via e-mail, just let me know.)

I enjoyed the book very much — and recommended it. Our only disagreement comes down to a reoccurring theme in my own work: the philosophical value and validity of biography, bios, life. My view is that the life cannot be ignored or excluded when considering thought. This is why I often assign biographies, autobiographies, memoirs, and confessional literature in my philosophy courses. I’ve come to this view and approach slowly, largely through teaching “Philosophy of the Human Person” twice during my time at Wabash College.

Two of the best books on this subject are The Philosophers: Their Lives and the Nature of their Thought, by Ben-Ami Scharfstein, and Ray Monk’s The Duty of Genius.