Philosophy of Søren Kierkegaard

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Søren Kierkegaard (1813–1855) was a Danish philosopher, theologian, poet, social critic, and religious author who is widely considered to be the first existentialist philosopher. His work primarily deals with issues of Christianity, ethics, and the nature of the self.

Early Life and Education

Søren Kierkegaard was born on May 5, 1813, in Copenhagen, Denmark. He was the youngest of seven children. His father, Michael Pedersen Kierkegaard, was a wealthy wool merchant, and his mother, Ane Sørensdatter Lund Kierkegaard, was a housemaid. Kierkegaard studied theology at the University of Copenhagen, where he was influenced by the works of Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel and other contemporary philosophers.

Major Works

Kierkegaard's major works include:

• Either/Or (1843)
• Fear and Trembling (1843)
• The Concept of Anxiety (1844)
• Philosophical Fragments (1844)
• Concluding Unscientific Postscript to Philosophical Fragments (1846)
• The Sickness Unto Death (1849)
• Practice in Christianity (1850)

Key Concepts

Subjectivity and Truth

Kierkegaard is known for his emphasis on the importance of subjectivity and personal experience. He argued that truth is subjective and that each individual must find their own path to understanding and faith.

The Leap of Faith

One of Kierkegaard's most famous concepts is the "leap of faith," which refers to the act of believing in something without empirical evidence. This concept is particularly relevant in the context of Christian faith, where Kierkegaard argued that belief in God requires a leap beyond rationality.

The Aesthetic, Ethical, and Religious Stages

Kierkegaard described three stages of life: the aesthetic, the ethical, and the religious. The aesthetic stage is characterized by a pursuit of pleasure and avoidance of commitment. The ethical stage involves a commitment to moral principles and societal norms. The religious stage is marked by a personal relationship with God and a commitment to faith.

Influence and Legacy

Kierkegaard's work has had a profound impact on various fields, including theology, existentialism, psychology, and literature. His ideas influenced later existentialist thinkers such as Jean-Paul Sartre, Friedrich Nietzsche, and Martin Heidegger. Kierkegaard's emphasis on individual experience and subjectivity also paved the way for modern psychotherapy and humanistic psychology.

Related Pages

• Existentialism
• Christian existentialism
• Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel
• Jean-Paul Sartre
• Friedrich Nietzsche
• Martin Heidegger
• University of Copenhagen