Søren Kierkegaard

Definition

Søren Kierkegaard was a Danish philosopher and theologian, often considered the father of existentialism. His work emphasized individual existence, subjectivity, and the importance of personal choice and commitment in the face of life's uncertainties. Kierkegaard's ideas paved the way for later existential thinkers and also addressed themes of faith, the absurd, and the struggle for meaning.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Kierkegaard believed that authentic existence comes from making individual choices and embracing the responsibility that comes with those choices.
2. He famously critiqued Hegelian philosophy for being overly abstract and not sufficiently addressing individual human experience.
3. Kierkegaard introduced the concept of the 'stages of life,' which includes the aesthetic, ethical, and religious stages as ways people navigate their existence.
4. His writings often employed pseudonyms, allowing him to present different perspectives on existential questions.
5. Kierkegaard's exploration of faith highlighted the tension between reason and belief, arguing that true faith requires a personal leap beyond rationality.

Review Questions

• How did Kierkegaard's emphasis on individual choice influence later existential thought?
  • Kierkegaard's focus on individual choice laid the groundwork for existentialism by asserting that each person must confront their own existence and make meaningful choices. His idea that personal responsibility is central to human life influenced later existentialists like Jean-Paul Sartre, who expanded on these concepts by exploring freedom and authenticity. This emphasis on subjective experience and the individual's role in defining meaning became key themes in existential philosophy.
• In what ways did Kierkegaard critique established philosophies like Hegelianism, and what impact did this have on his own philosophical development?
  • Kierkegaard critiqued Hegelianism for its abstractness and lack of focus on individual experience, arguing that it neglected the personal struggles and choices faced by individuals. This critique pushed him to develop his own philosophy centered around subjectivity, emphasizing personal meaning over universal truths. His rejection of Hegelianism helped shape his concepts of faith, anxiety, and the necessity of individual engagement with life's dilemmas.
• Evaluate how Kierkegaard's concept of the 'leap of faith' contributes to our understanding of faith in relation to reason and absurdity.
  • Kierkegaard's 'leap of faith' challenges the notion that faith can be purely rational or evidential, suggesting instead that true faith requires an embrace of uncertainty and absurdity. This concept illustrates that faith is not merely an intellectual assent but a passionate commitment that transcends logic. By advocating for this leap, Kierkegaard highlights the tension between rationality and belief, encouraging individuals to confront the absurd nature of existence while affirming their personal convictions.

Related terms

Subjectivity: The philosophical concept that emphasizes personal perspective and interpretation as central to understanding truth and reality.

Leap of Faith:

A concept introduced by Kierkegaard that describes the act of making a personal commitment to faith despite uncertainty or lack of evidence.

Anxiety: A key theme in Kierkegaard's work, referring to the feelings of dread and uncertainty that arise when confronted with choices and the inherent freedom of existence.