Self-appropriating Interpretation of Nicomachean Ethics as a Guide for Young Heidegger’s Phenomenological Hermeneutics

Aristotle is one of the philosophers who have influenced young Heidegger’s thoughts. The purpose of the present paper is to clarify certain aspects of this influence. During the years 1922–1926, Heidegger ponders deeply on Aristotle’s Philosophy. Among Aristotle’s works, Nicomachean Ethics draw more much Heidegger’s philosophical attention to itself. To understand Heidegger’s encounter with Aristotle, we concentrate on three important works of this period: “Phenomenological Interpretations of Aristotle” (1922), “Basic Concepts of Aristotelian Philosophy” (1924), and Plato's “Sophist”. The argument of the current study is that Heidegger’s interpretation of Aristotle during these years can be considered to be his first attempts and exercises leading to his special methodology, i.e. that of Phenomenological Hermeneutics. From this special perspective, we can consider phenomenological hermeneutics and most of other basic concepts of Heidegger’s thought in Being and Time, such as phenomenological deconstruction, care, and conscience as products of his contemplations on Aristotle’s thoughts during these years. Therefore, the leading question of this inquiry is this: What are the ingredients of Heidegger’s self-appropriating interpretation of Nicomachean Ethics? And through this question we aim to investigate the influence of these ingredients on Phenomenological Hermeneutics, the effect of young Heidegger’s reflecting on Aristotle on his understanding of technology.