ABSTRACT
The problem with using Heidegger's philosophy is that it is a serious revision in the light of his politics. Ironically, his own thought endorses a reappraisal of his work as inextricably bound up with his experience; a life which spanned the most woeful period of modern German history. According to Heidegger's version, he joined the movement at a time when it could still be conceived as a positive means of coming to terms with the problems facing Germany. However, like many people who were implicated in the Nazi regime, after the war Heidegger appears to have been economical with the truth. On April 22nd 1933 Heidegger became Rector of Freiburg University, where the policy of 'alignment' with the goals of National Socialism had been embraced. Assessments of Heidegger's philosophy in the context of such damning biographical evidence have taken many forms. Some consider his politics to be peripheral to his philosophy; others argue it is central.
