| In this work, I attempt a four-part task: (1) to explicate Heidegger's notion of the Fourfold, (2) to show its necessary relation to technology, (3) to think the limit that separates these, and (4) to show how this constellation of the Fourfold and technology escapes from the "metaphysics of presence" with which Heidegger has been charged.1. The Fourfold is the belonging together of Earth, Sky, Mortals, and Divinities. Heidegger inherits the components from Holderlin, but transforms then in his thought. The gathering of these four goes to make up the presencing of a singular and delimited entity (a "thing"). Such a thing exists as unique and irreplaceable.2. This singular mode of presence is only understandable against the background of limitless technological circulation. Influenced by Ernst Junger, Heidegger sees technology as setting into place a world (better, "unworld") of instantaneous replacement and sameness. The name for this manner of replaceable presence is "Bestand ."3. The unworld of technology is no simple "opposite" to the Fourfold, however. Rather the two modes of presence belong together. Heidegger repeatedly emphasizes how there can never be a complete loss of world in the enframing of technology. Conversely, the Fourfold is never free of the Bestand. A play of revelation and concealment is operative here and intimately related to Heidegger's new notion of essence. I examine this intricate and intimate co-belonging of technology and the Fourfold.4. This interpretation is used to counter the charge that Heidegger would think in terms of metaphysical presence, i.e., in terms of complete, self-present, and pure presence. Such a charge is leveled in the early work of Jacques Derrida. I show that Heidegger's thinking is already a thought of the trace. Since there is consequently no total presence or absence for Heidegger (no metaphysical version of presence), there can be no simple overcoming of metaphysics (Uberwindung) either. Metaphysics cannot be so easily left behind, but must undergo a transformation ( Verwindung). This is nothing more than a recognition of the trace and its place at the limit of singular, finite existence.The first chapter treats the circulation of technology, the remaining four address in series the elements of the Fourfold (Earth, Sky, Mortals, and Divinities). |
