lumen naturale (natural light), 133,170 (BT)

It is impossible to render adequately in English all the terms Heidegger derives from the German roots “Licht” and “Sicht.” There is the “sight” by which we deal with equipment (Umsicht = circumspection), or with others (Rücksicht), and the perspective of our projection into the future in foresight (Vorsicht). Light metaphors are used when Dasein is compared to a “clearing” (Lichtung) or is “lit up” (gelichtet). Heidegger sees himself in an old tradition, for he refers to the ancient lumen naturale theory as an anticipation of his own view of our natural disclosedness (see BT 171). (CCH)