Abstract

Michael Henry’s study centers around the theme of interiority and subjectivity in the problematic of Being. It is a study that examines the structures of Being as theorized by various continental philosophers. Henry criticizes Kant, Heidegger, Sartre, Merleau-Ponty and Scheler for their notions on the structure of Being. He believes that "presence is the foundation of knowledge" and that "Being is the desire of self." Henry indicates that the "essence of manifestation is a structure... constituted by the ontological process of representation." The interiority of the individual is of primary importance because it is where knowledge is found. As he states, "... that Being is rather interior to action and determines it." In addition, "Being manifests itself... it is its light and the pure milieu of visibility wherein all things are visible." Henry’s investigation inspired by Eckhart, Fichte, and Kierkegaard is one that requires intense study. It is a study that gives fresh and stimulating viewpoints on the problematic of Being. Professor Etzkorn’s translation of the 1963 Presses Universitaires De France two volume edition is excellent. It is a complete translation of both volumes. Furthermore, he has identified all references used by Henry and has managed to find English translations for most of the texts cited.—G.D.D.