The Notion of Geschick

Abstract

In the later writings of Heidegger the notion of Being as Geschick is most crucial. Indeed, it is out of Being as Geschick that Heidegger thinks the essence of the work of art, the essence of modern technology and nihilism — thinks Sprache² and History.³ Moreover, Being as Geschick is that before which the entire tradition is summoned. Clearly it is Being’s character of showing itself while concealing itself that prevails in the History of thought from $\varphi \upsilon '\sigma \iota \zeta$ to Gestell.⁴ In what manner? How does Being show itself so as to simultaneously conceal itself? How is Being’s truth ($\mathop \alpha \limits^, \lambda \eta '\theta \varepsilon \iota \alpha$) at the same time untruth — withdrawal or refusal? Beginning with the Platonic $\mathop \iota \limits^, \delta \varepsilon '\alpha$ — in fact, even to $\varphi \upsilon '\sigma \iota \zeta$ belongs concealment — that is, beginning with beingness as $\mathop \iota \limits^, \delta \varepsilon '\alpha$, Being as Being has held itself concealed in the manner, however, of “arriving”⁵ in distinct modes of beingness.⁶ Beingness is the traditional, metaphysical manner of Being’s presence,⁷ the traditional showing of Being itself — that as which Being reveals itself but such that this revealing is at once a self-concealing. Thus Being accords itself by notfully according itself, and consequently the significance of the “negative” as self-preserving concealment, a “negative” which isnot to suggest deficiency. Rather, the “negative” of Being, its self-unconcealing as concealment, is Being’s “surplus” (“Überschuß”) or plentitude.⁸