Søren Kierkegaard

Søren Kierkegaard

Søren Kierkegaard (1813-1855) was a Danish philosopher, theologian, poet, social critic, and religious author who is considered the father of existentialism. Unlike his successors, Kierkegaard's existentialism is more focused on the individual's subjective experience and the importance of personal choice and commitment. His works explore themes such as faith, despair, the absurd, and the concept of "the leap of faith" in relation to God and self-discovery. Key works include "Fear and Trembling," "Either/Or," and "The Sickness Unto Death." Kierkegaard's writing is complex, often using pseudonyms and varying narrative styles to explore different philosophical ideas from multiple perspectives.

Each of these authors contributes uniquely to existentialist thought, offering profound insights into human freedom, the search for meaning, and the complexities of existence. Whether through the lens of philosophy, feminism, or theology, their works provide a rich exploration of the human condition.

Søren Kierkegaard, often hailed as the father of existentialism, was a deeply complex thinker who explored the intricacies of faith, existence, and the individual's relationship with God. His philosophy is not only a precursor to later existentialist thought but also a profound inquiry into the nature of being, belief, and the self.

The Leap of Faith and Self-Discovery

Kierkegaard's concept of the "leap of faith" is central to his existential thought. This idea pertains to the individual's existential leap into belief in God, which cannot be grounded in rationality, empirical evidence, or logical deduction. Instead, it's a subjective decision that transcends reason, highlighting the importance of personal choice and commitment in the face of the absurd. Kierkegaard believed that true faith involves embracing uncertainty and making a passionate, personal commitment to something beyond oneself, despite the absence of absolute certainty. This leap is crucial for self-discovery and authentic existence, according to Kierkegaard, because it requires the individual to confront the abyss of the unknown and choose to believe in something greater than themselves.

Recommended Work: "Fear and Trembling"

For someone new to Kierkegaard and seeking an entry point that is both foundational and relatively accessible, "Fear and Trembling" is a prime choice. Published in 1843 under the pseudonym Johannes de silentio, this work delves into the biblical story of Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son Isaac as a command from God. Kierkegaard uses this story to explore the themes of faith, sacrifice, duty, and the paradoxes inherent in Abraham's situation, whom he calls the "knight of faith."

In "Fear and Trembling," Kierkegaard discusses the idea that true faith requires absolute obedience and trust in God, even when His commands seem ethically indefensible or irrational from a human perspective. The narrative doesn't follow a traditional plot with characters but rather presents a philosophical exploration through the imagined inner monologue of Johannes de silentio, who admires Abraham's faith but struggles to understand it.

The book is divided into several sections, including a Preface, Introduction, Exordium, and Eulogy on Abraham, followed by a detailed analysis through "Problemata" sections, which dissect the ethical and existential dilemmas posed by Abraham's test. Kierkegaard contrasts the "knight of faith" with the "knight of infinite resignation" and introduces the concept of the "teleological suspension of the ethical," suggesting that faith may require suspending the universal ethical duty for a higher, divine command.

"Fear and Trembling" is considered essential reading for understanding Kierkegaard's philosophy. It's accessible in the sense that it deals with familiar biblical stories and existential themes related to faith, duty, and personal belief. However, it's also a work that challenges the reader to think deeply about the nature of faith and the existential commitments that define our lives. It's a profound starting point for engaging with Kierkegaard's thought, especially for readers who have grappled with existential questions in the works of Camus, Kafka, and Dostoevsky.

why is he writing so much about religion

Kierkegaard's choice to engage with biblical stories, particularly in "Fear and Trembling," serves as a profound medium to explore the intricacies of faith, ethics, and individual existence. His focus on the story of Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac isn't merely about religion in the conventional sense but rather about the existential dimensions of faith, the individual's relationship with the divine, and the nature of personal belief and commitment. Here's how Kierkegaard's exploration of biblical themes and the concept of giving oneself over to belief can be a pathway to self-exploration and understanding:

The Individual vs. The Universal

Kierkegaard emphasizes the individual's experience and subjective reality over universal truths or societal norms. In the context of faith, this means that understanding oneself and one's place in the world is not about adhering to external doctrines or ethics but about the personal and direct relationship one has with the divine or with one's own system of belief. This individualistic approach to faith and existence is central to existentialist thought, which values personal authenticity and freedom.

Faith as a Personal Journey

For Kierkegaard, faith is not a passive acceptance of religious doctrine but an active, personal engagement with the existential questions of life. It's about making a "leap" into believing something that cannot be rationally proven or empirically verified. This leap requires courage, freedom, and a willingness to confront the unknown. It's in this process of confronting and engaging with the unknown that one embarks on a journey of self-exploration. Faith, in this sense, becomes a means through which individuals confront their own existence, their anxieties, and their freedoms.

The Concept of the "Teleological Suspension of the Ethical"

Kierkegaard introduces the idea that there are moments when the ethical rules that govern society are suspended in favor of a higher divine command. This doesn't mean that ethics or morals are unimportant but that true faith might require acting in accordance with a personal, direct command from God that transcends universal ethical norms. This notion challenges individuals to consider the foundation of their moral and ethical beliefs and to explore the depths of their own faith and convictions. It's a call to examine whether one's actions are genuinely rooted in personal belief or merely adherence to societal expectations.

Authenticity and Self-Discovery

Ultimately, Kierkegaard's exploration of biblical themes and the dynamics of faith is about authenticity and the pursuit of an authentic self. Engaging deeply with one's beliefs—whether they are religious or otherwise—forces an examination of who one truly is, what one values, and how one chooses to live. This process of introspection and engagement with existential questions is at the heart of self-discovery.

In summary, Kierkegaard's focus on religion and biblical stories is a vehicle for exploring deeper existential themes that are relevant to all individuals, regardless of their religious affiliation. It's about the struggle to find meaning, the courage to confront the unknown, and the pursuit of an authentic existence based on personal conviction and choice. This journey of faith and doubt, belief and questioning, is a powerful catalyst for self-exploration and understanding.