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metaphysics still clings to us, that we are not free of it. Where within Western philosophy is the relationship of epochs to each other thought in most decisive manner?
PARTICIPANT: With Hegel.
HEIDEGGER: If we say that we no longer attempt to think metaphysically, but remain nevertheless referred to metaphysics, then we could designate this relationship in Hegelian fashion as sublation. None of us knows whether metaphysics will reappear. In any case, the "no-longer-metaphysical" is more difficult to specify than the "not-yet-metaphysical." {GA 15: 127} But what about Hegel and the Greeks? Doesn't he take them to some extent all in the same breath?
PARTICIPANT: With Hegel, another understanding is presented of what a beginning is.
HEIDEGGER: The question about the beginning is too difficult for us now. The answer which I wish is simpler. What character, according to Hegel, has Greek thinking for philosophy?
PARTICIPANT: A character of preparation.
HEIDEGGER: This answer is too general. More specifically said ...
PARTICIPANT: In the preface to the Phenomenology of Mind, Hegel says that everything depends on comprehending and expressing truth not only as substance, but just as much as subject.
HEIDEGGER: How is that to be understood? But first: is the "Preface" you mention the preface to the Phenomenology?
PARTICIPANT: It is the preface to the system of science, whereas the "Introduction" is the real preface to the Phenomenology. {GA 15: 128}
HEIDEGGER: The "Preface" thus pertains to the Logic, and not only to the Phenomenology of Mind. In the "Preface" Hegel says something fundamental about philosophy, that it should think the truth not only as substance, but also as subject. In Greek, substance means ...
PARTICIPANT: ... ὑποκείμενον, and what is underlying.
HEIDEGGER: How is substance thought by Hegel? If I say that the house is big or tall, how is the manner of thinking that only thinks substance to be characterized? What is not thought here?
PARTICIPANT: The movement between the house and being tall.
HEIDEGGER: The Greeks, who according to Hegel think only of substance, ὑποκείμενον, have categories for this.
PARTICIPANT: The movement can only come into view when yet another basis supervenes, the subject.
HEIDEGGER: When it is said that the house is tall, what is not thought therein?
PARTICIPANT: The one who thinks.
HEIDEGGER: Thus, what kind of thinking is that which simply views ὑποκείμενον and not the subject?
PARTICIPANT: I hesitate to say the overused words.
HEIDEGGER: In philosophy no word or concept is overused. We