For over ten years, psychiatrist and proponent of "medical dasein-analysis" Medard Boss organized seminars in Zollikon, Switzerland, where philosopher Martin Heidegger analyzed the hidden ontological foundations of their science for psychiatrists and psychotherapists.

According to the German philosopher, the interpretation of the fundamental parameters of human existence and, consequently, the therapeutic act itself, is today under the influence of the entirely dominant scientific naturalistic perspective. The distinguishing feature of this perspective is the strict methodology, which is not merely a research tool but a specific ontology that objectifies beings and renders them mathematically predictable.

However, this ontology proves to be completely unsuitable for establishing the foundation of therapeutic theory and practice. The Zollikon seminars hold a unique place in Heidegger's work for several main reasons: first, it is perhaps the only text of his that thoroughly discusses the philosophical foundation of a science; second, it presents key elements of his groundbreaking view of humanity and the fundamental parameters of existence (regarding space and time, action and motivation, language, relationships with other beings and with others, etc.).

Third, it articulates his philosophical critique of modern science and the tendency for its absolutization; fourth, it reveals his particular view of history; finally, as the philosopher addresses a non-specialized audience and thus uses a much simpler and more comprehensible language, it provides access to his thought for those interested without special philosophical knowledge.