LANGUAGE AND THE SOCIAL ROOTS OF CONSCIENCE - HEIDEGGERS LESS TRAVELED PATH

This paper develops a new interpretation of Heidegger's concept of con science in order to show to what extent his thought establishes the po ssibility of civil disobedience. The origin of conscience lies in the self's appropriation of language as inviting a reciprocal response of the other (person). By developing the social dimension of dialogue, it is shown that conscience reveals the self in its capacity for dissent , free speech, and civil disobedience. By developing the social roots of conscience, a completely new light is cast on the political implica tions of Heidegger's thought.