Contemporary Relevance and Criticism
Contemporary debates around finitude in Heidegger’s philosophy extend into discussions of existential risk, political ontology, and posthumanism. Some critics argue that Heidegger’s focus on individual mortality neglects broader structural and social conditions that shape human existence.^8 Feminist critiques, such as those by Luce Irigaray, contend that Heidegger’s model of Dasein is implicitly masculine, assuming a universalized experience of finitude that does not account for gendered embodiment.^9 Reflecting on this, I recognize how different social groups experience finitude differently, such as in cases of systemic oppression, where mortality is not only an existential concern but also a political one. The discussion of racial disparities in healthcare, for instance, underscores how some individuals are more acutely aware of their mortality due to social inequalities.
Conclusion
Heidegger’s concept of radical finitude remains a central theme in existential and phenomenological philosophy, offering a profound account of human existence as fundamentally shaped by mortality. While his analysis provides a powerful alternative to metaphysical notions of infinity, it has also faced significant critiques regarding its ethical, existential, and political implications. From personal encounters with loss to broader societal reflections on mortality and ethics, Heidegger’s ideas continue to provoke deep philosophical inquiry. The ongoing engagement with Heidegger’s finitude demonstrates its enduring relevance, necessitating continued philosophical interrogation