Deleuze vs. Heidegger

Attribute	Deleuze	Heidegger
Being	Being is becoming, constantly changing and evolving	Being is rooted in Dasein, the human existence
Time	Time is a multiplicity, non-linear and non-hierarchical	Time is the horizon for understanding being, past, present, and future
Language	Language is a tool for creating concepts and connections	Language is the house of being, revealing the essence of things
Subjectivity	Subjectivity is multiple and fragmented, not centered on the self	Subjectivity is defined by Dasein's existence and its relation to being

Background

Gilles Deleuze and Martin Heidegger are two prominent philosophers who have made significant contributions to the field of philosophy. Deleuze, a French philosopher, is known for his work on ontology, metaphysics, and aesthetics. Heidegger, a German philosopher, is best known for his existentialist philosophy and his exploration of the nature of being.

Approach to Philosophy

Deleuze's approach to philosophy is characterized by his rejection of traditional philosophical categories and his emphasis on creating new concepts. Heidegger, on the other hand, is known for his focus on the question of being and his exploration of the relationship between being and time. While Deleuze seeks to break free from traditional modes of thought, Heidegger delves deep into the fundamental questions of existence.

Concept of Being

Deleuze's concept of being is closely tied to his idea of becoming. He sees being as a process of constant change and transformation, where individuals are constantly becoming something new. Heidegger, on the other hand, views being as something that is deeply tied to our existence in the world. He emphasizes the importance of being-in-the-world and the ways in which our being is shaped by our interactions with the world around us.

Time and Temporality

Deleuze's concept of time is non-linear and involves the idea of multiple temporalities existing simultaneously. He sees time as a complex and dynamic force that shapes our experiences and perceptions. Heidegger, on the other hand, explores the concept of temporality as it relates to our existence in the world. He sees time as a fundamental aspect of our being and emphasizes the ways in which our understanding of time shapes our understanding of ourselves.

Subjectivity and Identity

Deleuze's approach to subjectivity is rooted in his concept of the rhizome, which emphasizes the interconnectedness of all things. He sees identity as fluid and constantly shifting, with individuals being defined by their relationships to others. Heidegger, on the other hand, explores the concept of authenticity and the ways in which individuals can come to understand their own being. He sees identity as something that is deeply tied to our existence in the world and our ability to live authentically.

Politics and Ethics

Deleuze's political philosophy is characterized by his emphasis on creating new ways of thinking and being in the world. He sees politics as a process of experimentation and creation, where individuals can challenge traditional power structures and create new forms of social organization. Heidegger, on the other hand, is known for his controversial involvement with the Nazi party in Germany. While he later distanced himself from the party, his political views continue to be a subject of debate among scholars.

Legacy and Influence

Deleuze's work has had a significant impact on a wide range of fields, including philosophy, literature, and cultural studies. His concepts of rhizomatic thinking and becoming have inspired countless scholars and artists to think differently about the world. Heidegger's influence, on the other hand, has been more controversial due to his association with the Nazi party. Despite this, his work continues to be studied and debated by philosophers and scholars around the world.