The new (Sep/Oct) issue of Philosophy Now reports that Being and Time - The Musical was staged by the Regent's College existentialist psychotherapy department, to raise funds for Child Action Nepal. Apparently it consisted of sketches accompanied by music, and they recount some of them.

Prof. Heidegger's chosen subject in the opening 'Mastermind' sketch, is his Phenomenological Ontology in Being and Time. This is Heidegger's own study of the nature of being through his analysis of the contents of his experience, but alas, he scores only two points, with two passes. "Being and Time is a very big book" asks the quizmaster, "How much does it weigh?" Naturally Heidegger gets this wrong, and is perturbed by this frivolous question, which detracts from serious matters of grave philosophy. Does this man have no sense of humour? You'd have to be there to make that judgement.

Say no more.

Also in this issue is a discussion in the Underworld about who really started philosophy, with most of the pre-Socratics making their case. A surprising number cite Heidegger as evidence in their favor. He is largely responsible for rehabilitating them, after earlier generations (ob. cit.; Russell's History of Western Phil.) reduced them to mere footnotes to Plato, before the fact.

It's notable that these days a mainstream Anglo publication like Philosophy Now can mention Heidegger without being completely misinformed, as was the case ten years ago. Raymond Tallis, who has even written a book on Heidegger, is to start a column. I wonder if students are allowed to study him at Oxbridge yet.  ¶ 9:17 PM