LONGING FOR THE PAST IN VIEW OF THE FUTURE: A PHILOSOPHICAL ANALYSIS OF NOSTALGIA AS AN ACT OF HOPE THROUGH HEIDEGGER’S EXISTENTIALIST PHILOSOPHY

This research investigates the philosophical question of whether nostalgia, often viewed as irrational and unproductive, truly hampers the present. While some philosophers consider it an obstacle to progress, this study highlights its positive and hopeful aspects. With a focus on Heidegger’s existentialist philosophy, the link between nostalgia and the concept of “home” as a metaphysical sanctuary is explored. Using a phenomenological approach, this research reveals how nostalgia intertwines with hope, demonstrating that nostalgia can be an act of hope. The openness of Dasein allows humans to experience their presence in the world. Mood reveals one's current state of being, with nostalgia being one such mood. Nostalgia discloses the objects of longing, ultimately rooted in the notion of “home.” At its foundation, this exploration is fundamentally tied to the essence of hope. This leads to a renewed interpretation of nostalgia as a crucial part of growth, highlighting its significance in life. Moreover, the thesis advocates for using nostalgia as an instrument to foster hope, effectively bridging the individual with hope itself.