March 3, 2026

‘Befindlichkeit’ and ‘Pathe of Authenticity’ in Heidegger’s 1924 Course on Aristotle

Key Points

The concept of 'befindlichkeit' reveals the emotional situation of dasein in Heidegger's philosophy, underscoring its significance.
Befindlichkeit is derived from three Greek terms — diathesis, pathos, hedone — marking its unique development.
Heidegger's idea of 'pathe of authenticity' highlights emotional tones of eudaimonia and phobos, important for authentic decision-making.
The essay provides philological insights into how these terms contribute to understanding authenticity in philosophical discourse.

Abstract

This essay reconstructs the origin and selection of the term Befindlichkeit within Heidegger's 1924 course Basic Concepts of Aristotelian Philosophy. In the first section, the importance of this issue within Heidegger's thought is explained. Then, the more philological aspects are addressed, showing how the term Befindlichkeit is coined as a translation of three different Greek terms (diathesis, pathos, hedone) and later gains its own significance, referring to the emotional situation of Dasein. Finally, the focus is on what could be called ‘pathe of authenticity,’ namely eudaimonia (as telos) andphobos (necessary for authentic decision): emotional tones that seem to represent one of the most intriguing contributions from Heidegger's conceptual framework.

‘Befindlichkeit’ and ‘Pathe of Authenticity’ in Heidegger’s 1924 Course on Aristotle

Key Points

Abstract

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