Metaphysics, Science, and Literature

Abstract If we examine the discussion between Carnap and Heidegger about metaphysics, we can easily see that epistemological, logical, and ontological issues were at the forefront of that debate, whereas at first glance the nature of philosophical writing seems to be of very little importance. This article intends to demonstrate that this impression is not accurate. When Carnap and Heidegger voiced their theses on metaphysics, they also put forth intriguing ideas about the relationship between metaphysics, science, and literature. Those ideas deserve much attention because they can help us better understand why they maintained their respective conceptions of metaphysics, philosophy, and science. More importantly, this article argues that an analysis of their ideas about philosophical writing enables us to discover unsuspected similarities between Carnap and Heidegger.