ABSTRACT
Observing the shift that seems to occur in the concept of metaphysics with Descartes-that is, the shift away from the scholastic emphasis on metaphysics as the science of being, towards an emphasis on metaphysics as the science of the first principles of knowledge-Marion seeks a model of metaphysical constitution with which he can evaluate Descartes’ work. In other words, given that metaphysics comes to be understood in different ways, he seeks a measure of metaphysics that can be applied in spite of these different understandings. Marion finds an appropriate model in Heidegger’s reading of metaphysics as onto-theo-logy, although it is a model that he will also call into question at certain points.2 Ontotheo-logy is the term used to indicate that the logos (word or reason) forms the foundation for and links together being as being (the subject of onto-logy) and the highest being (the subject of theo-logy).
