On thinking

The paper engages Wentzel van Huyssteen’s lifelong fascination and occupation with thinking, for him particularly thinking as problem-solving. Responding to Van own invitation, it brings Hannah Arendt’s on in conversation his by considering five crucial characteristics of the ways which she both described practised over decades. These include: her responsibility, dark times, without banister, public thanksgiving. In process revisits all well-known books essays these themes, whilst also pointing some roots similarly classic mentor Martin Heidegger. It concludes major conflict between philosophical traditions concerned rational problem-solving unravelling puzzles, respectively, exemplified reputedly shocking ‘poker’ encounter Karl Popper Ludwig Wittgenstein, expresses hope ongoing about this seeming Huyssteen work. Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: Thinking essay addresses methodological questions theology, philosophy political theory. Distinguishing faculties mind – willing, judging challenges kinds belong particular implications doctrinal theological ethics theology.