Heidegger, Morality and Politics : Questioning the Shepherd of Being

Exploring topics including moral realism, human morality and dignity, animal rights, environmental philosophy, cultural identity, racism, fascism and the nature of reason, this book argues that Heidegger's moral and political thought is still relevant to modern debates. The book is accessible to students of ethics and political philosophy, as well as Heidegger scholars.

Heidegger has often been seen as having no moral philosophy and a political philosophy that can only support fascism. Sonia Sikka's book challenges this view, arguing instead that Heidegger should be considered a qualified moral realist, and that his insights on cultural identity and cross-cultural interaction are not invalidated by his support for Nazism. Sikka explores the ramifications of Heidegger's moral and political thought for topics including free will and responsibility, the status of humanity within the design of nature, the relation between the individual and culture, the rights of peoples to political self-determination, the idea of race and the problem of racism, historical relativism, the subjectivity of values, and the nature of justice. Her discussion highlights aspects of Heidegger's thought that are still relevant for modern debates, while also addressing its limitations as reflected in his political affiliations and sympathies.