Abstract

Heidegger’s philosophy of the ontological difference can be interpreted as a reference to a withdrawn Absolute, which can be found already in the heritage of negative theology, especially in Plotinus and in Neoplatonism. Heidegger knew Plotinus’ philosophy only superficially, but was indirectly influenced by Plotinus’ thoughts, especially through Meister Eckhart. Heidegger’s philosophy does not include a mystical union, and he explicitly distances his philosophy from mysticism. Nevertheless, against Heidegger’s tremendous pretension of originality, this article shows from a systematic and historical point of view that central moments of his philosophy belong to the heritage of negative theology and are developed already in Plotinus, and in fact even more radically than in Heidegger.