as refutes the Heideggerian notion that the existents in our lives, whether they be bread, hammers, pens, etc. are simply tools, or “means of life.”Levinas claims that, though we might need such tools, they are actually enjoyed.
This is the beginning of the concept he calls “living from…” Levinas claims, in opposition to the Heideggerian school of thought, that “existence is not exhausted by utilitarian schematism that delineates (existents) as having the existence of hammers, needles, or machines. They are always in a certain measure– and even the hammers, needles, and machines are objects of enjoyment…” says Levinas.
But according to Clark, this is simply wrong. Heidegger doesn’t think in the least that utility exhausts existence. Rather looking at how objects are encountered in one kind of relationship allows an existential analysis. There are other sorts of analysis – some hinted at – beyond what the focus is in Being and Time. And indeed the latter Heidegger often delves into those. (IMO) Now it is true that Heidegger argues that one way (perhaps the most important way) we encounter entities is through a break down of utility. The ready-at-hand allowing the present-at-hand to be presented to us.
However to suggest the only way to be with other occurrent entities is via utility is just plain wrong.
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