Kierkegaard Philosophy in 9 Minutes - The Father of Existentialism

Summary

Søren Kierkegaard, a Danish philosopher, is considered the father of existentialism. His work emphasizes individual lived experiences and subjective truth over objective facts. Kierkegaard's existential philosophy asserts that individuals are solely responsible for their actions and purpose in life. His personal life and writings, including 'Either/Or' and 'Fear and Trembling', explore themes of despair, death, and the leap of faith, advocating for a personal relationship with God as the highest form of existence.

Takeaways

• 📚 Søren Kierkegaard is recognized as a significant figure in philosophy, often considered the father of existentialism, emphasizing the importance of individual subjectivity and lived experiences.
• 🌏 Born in 1813 Copenhagen, Kierkegaard's life was influenced by the Enlightenment era, but he disagreed with the era's belief that objective means could solve life's biggest problems.
• 🤔 Kierkegaard's philosophy revolved around the concept of living as a 'single individual', advocating that 'subjectivity is truth' and challenging the status quo of his time.
• 🎓 He believed in the importance of subjective truths, which are personal and unique to each individual, as opposed to objective facts that can be universally applied.
• 🎼 Kierkegaard used the example of choosing a career as a musician to illustrate the difference between objective facts and the subjective experience necessary to truly understand one's calling.
• 🌱 Existentialism, as influenced by Kierkegaard, posits that individuals are solely responsible for creating meaning in their lives and making decisions that affect their purpose.
• 🙏 Kierkegaard's religious beliefs were central to his work, asserting that eternal salvation depends on how one lives their life and the choices they make.
• 👨‍🦳 Kierkegaard's personal life, including his melancholic upbringing and the mysterious end of his engagement to Regina Olsen, had a profound impact on his writing and philosophical outlook.
• 📖 His prolific writing includes well-known works like 'Either/Or', 'Fear and Trembling', and 'The Sickness Unto Death', characterized by his use of pseudonyms and indirect communication.
• 🧘‍♂️ Kierkegaard explored concepts like 'angst' or despair, and the importance of acknowledging death as a part of life, encouraging individuals to live passionately and reflectively.
• 🔢 He outlined three stages of individual existence: 'The Aesthetic', 'The Ethical', and 'The Religious', suggesting a progression from pleasure-seeking to ethical living and ultimately to a personal relationship with God.

Q & A

Who is Søren Kierkegaard and what is his significance in philosophy?

Søren Kierkegaard was a Danish philosopher, theologian, poet, and social critic born in 1813 in Copenhagen. He is regarded by some as the father of existentialism and is known for his focus on the individual's subjective experience and the concept of 'single individual' living.

What was the prevailing view of the Enlightenment era regarding the solution to life's biggest problems?

During the Enlightenment, it was believed that life's biggest problems, including understanding a human's true self, could be solved through objective means such as logic and science.

How did Kierkegaard's view on 'subjective truth' differ from the prevailing thought of his time?

Kierkegaard believed in the importance of subjective truth, which separates individuals from others and is not solely based on objective facts. He argued that deeper, personal truths are essential and often overlooked by systematic philosophers of his time like Hegel.

What is existentialism and how is Kierkegaard considered its founder?

Existentialism is a philosophy that posits the world has no intrinsic meaning and that individuals are solely responsible for their actions, decisions, and purpose. Kierkegaard's focus on the individual's lived experience and responsibility led some scholars to consider him the founder of existentialism.

What is the concept of 'subjective truth' as described by Kierkegaard?

Subjective truth, according to Kierkegaard, refers to the personal and unique understanding one has about their life and experiences, which cannot be fully grasped through objective facts alone.

How did Kierkegaard's personal life influence his philosophical views?

Kierkegaard's personal life, marked by the melancholy of his father, the early deaths of his siblings, and the broken engagement with Regina Olsen, influenced his focus on individual responsibility, despair, and the importance of personal commitment to faith.

What is the 'method of indirect communication' that Kierkegaard used in his writing?

The 'method of indirect communication' refers to Kierkegaard's approach of writing under various pseudonyms to convey a sense of personal responsibility and to encourage readers to think for themselves rather than relying on perceived authorities.

What are the three stages of individual existence that Kierkegaard describes in his works?

The three stages are 'The Aesthetic', 'The Ethical', and 'The Religious'. The Aesthetic life is about experiencing pleasures, the Ethical life involves adhering to societal rules and ethical principles, and the Religious life is about having a personal commitment and relationship with God.

What does Kierkegaard mean by 'The Teleological Suspension of the Ethical' and 'Leap of Faith'?

The 'Teleological Suspension of the Ethical' and 'Leap of Faith' refer to the act of transcending ethical and rational objectivity for a personal and subjective relationship with God, often in the face of paradoxical religious teachings.

How does Kierkegaard's concept of 'angst' or despair relate to the individual's journey towards self-awareness?

Kierkegaard's concept of 'angst' is the anxiety or dread that arises when one truly contemplates their freedom and the possibilities of their life. It is a catalyst for self-awareness and taking responsibility for one's choices, independent of societal expectations.

What is the significance of embracing the 'absurd' in Kierkegaard's philosophy?

Embracing the 'absurd' in Kierkegaard's philosophy means accepting the paradoxical nature of religious teachings, such as the dual nature of Christ, and living by faith rather than rejecting these ideas based on rational or logical grounds.