Thinking of Being in the Perspective of Finitude

Abstract

In Chapter 1: Consciousness and Infinity, I will give a simple elucidation of the way in which traditional metaphysics deals with infinity and finiteness. The traditional concept of metaphysics as the self-consciousness of consciousness recognizes its own finiteness and supposes beyond all the finites infinity, which means totality with eternity. With the supposition of infinity which only the absolute consciousness, reason, can recognize, human concrete existence, which is bound to its singularity, is denounced as the finite once again. And therefore, we come to suffer the dichotomy which requires the endeavor of a reconciliation between the opposites in vain. In Chapter 2: Hegel and the Last Solution of Traditional Metaphysics, I will examine the Hegelian speculative logic which is evaluated to have succeeded in the reconciliation of finiteness and infinity. He has rejected to admit the powerlessness of consciousness which is found in the spurious infinity of traditional metaphysics, and he removed the margin between us and ab-solute being. He made being move within a finite consciousness to the end, which gives totality to this movement. In this chapter, I will make clear that the reconciliation which traditional metaphysics has pursued has gained its fruit by the self-realization of consciousness as power to posit an order which can encompass being in a total system. In Chapter 3: Heidegger and Co-belongingness of Thinking and Being, I will clarify what traditional metaphysics did not consider, that is, Being itself that is not regulated by consciousness and the genuine co-belongingness between Being and Thinking. From this co-belongingness, our being becomes open-ended and we take the responsibility of the accomplishment of our own being. Here, it will be revealed that the concepts of finiteness and infinity should be abandoned, from the request of Being itself which is in union with Thinking, and therefore always in finitude. In Chapter 4: Derrida vs. Heidegger, on the Occurrence with Nothingness, I will advance to the elucidation of Being itself, how it enables the finitude of our understanding, and which task the co-belongingness of Being and Thinking demands us to accomplish.