What Is Called Thinking? A Philosophical Reflection through the Lens of Martin Heidegger By Dr. Yatish Kuril Introduction Martin Heidegger’s seminal work Was heißt Denken? (What Is Called Thinking?) represents one of the most profound attempts of the twentieth century to question the very nature of thought. Unlike traditional philosophical inquiries that treat thinking as a process of logic, reason, or cognition, Heidegger presents thinking as an act of openness to Being. His lecture series at the University of Freiburg (delivered between 1951–1952) lays the foundation for this exploration. As an entrepreneur, educator, and researcher in management and social sciences, my reinterpretation aims to extend Heidegger’s insights beyond philosophy into the world of business, leadership, and society. Thinking, in Heidegger’s sense, is not a mere technical tool but a way of attunement to truth, creativity, and responsibility. The Central Question: What Is Called Thinking? Heidegger does not ask “What is thinking?” but “What is called thinking?”—a subtle yet radical distinction. This shift opens two possibilities: 1. What deserves to be called thinking? – A qualitative exploration of what counts as true thinking, as opposed to mere calculation or routine cognition. 2. What calls us to think? – A more existential question: what summons us into the act of thinking itself? This second dimension is crucial. Heidegger suggests that genuine thinking is not a product of human will alone but arises from Being itself, which calls upon us to reflect and respond. Thinking versus Calculative Thinking Heidegger differentiates between two forms of thought: 1. Calculative Thinking o
Rooted in technical reasoning, efficiency, and problem-solving.
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Essential for science, technology, and organizational management.