Abstract

This paper tries to show why Heidegger claims that philosophical concepts and philosophical language act as formal indications (formale Anzeige). To do so, I try to understand (i) the character of the methodical elements which play a role in philosophy and (ii) what it means for philosophy to always move in a thematic use of language. Finally, and based on this general frame, I specify the Heideggerian use of formal indication in Being and time and in The fundamental concepts of metaphysics. Key words: Heidegger, formal indication, theory, Being and time, The fundamental concepts of metaphysics.