Being, History, Technology, and Extermination in the Work of Heidegger

The year 2001, with the publication of the course of 1933–1934, which calls for the “total extermination” of the enemy within, marks a turning point in the reception of Heidegger’s work. It represents a moment that requires the critical examination of the use of such key terms of his doctrine as being, understood by him as a “code-word” (Deckname), but also history, technology, and extermination or annihilation (Vernichtung). This article also puts the project of the “complete works” (Gesamtausgable) itself into question.