Kierkegaard - Desespero Humano

Débora Inácia Ribeiro

18 Sept 202318:14

Summary

TLDRThe lecture discusses Kierkegaard's 'The Sickness Unto Death', exploring human despair as a spiritual sickness. It highlights the human struggle with contradictions of being both finite and infinite. Despair is seen as a gateway to spiritual transcendence, with faith in the absolute helping overcome it. The lecture emphasizes the importance of solitude for self-reflection and the belief in oneself as a spirit capable of achieving synthesis and eternity.

Takeaways

📚 The lecture is based on the book 'The Sickness Unto Death' by Søren Kierkegaard, published in 1849, which delves into the concept of despair in human existence.
🧠 The book is philosophically dense and is divided into two parts: the first dealing with despair as a mortal sickness, and the second with despair and sin, though the latter is not covered in this lecture.
💭 Kierkegaard views humans as a synthesis of the infinite and the finite, temporal and eternal, freedom and necessity, highlighting the inherent contradictions in human existence.
🤔 Despair is described as the inability to achieve balance and rest through one's own strength, leading to a fixation on the finite and temporal aspects of life rather than the eternal and infinite.
🚫 The two forms of true despair are: not wanting to be oneself (low self-esteem) and wanting to be oneself but being unable to achieve equilibrium and rest.
🌟 Despair, when viewed abstractly, is considered advantageous as it lifts humans out of animality and towards spirituality, according to Kierkegaard.
🙏 From an individual's perspective, despair is the worst form of misery and can lead to a continuous experience of 'dying', which contrasts with the abstract view of despair as beneficial.
🌱 The concept of despair is universal; most people are unconscious of their spiritual destiny, and thus, live in a form of despair, which is a lack of consciousness of being.
🧘‍♂️ Overcoming despair involves a confrontation with solitude, where individuals can reflect on their spiritual nature and seek transcendence beyond their natural limitations.
✝️ Kierkegaard uses biblical references to illustrate the struggle with despair and the role of faith in achieving the 'Supreme impossibility', which is to be oneself through divine intervention.
🌟 The ultimate goal is for individuals to believe in their ability to synthesize the infinite and finite aspects of their existence, transcend despair, and connect with the absolute for a sense of eternal life and freedom.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the lecture based on the transcript?
-The main theme of the lecture is the concept of 'despair' as explored in the book 'The Sickness Unto Death' by Søren Kierkegaard.
When was 'The Sickness Unto Death' published, and what are its key divisions?
-'The Sickness Unto Death' was published in 1849 and is divided into two parts. The first part discusses despair as a mortal sickness, further divided into three books: Book 1 on despair as a sickness, Book 2 on the universality of despair, and Book 3 on the personification of despair. The second part, not covered in the lecture, deals with despair and sin.
How does Kierkegaard define the human being in the context of despair?
-Kierkegaard defines the human being as a synthesis of the infinite and the finite, the temporal and the eternal, freedom and necessity. This synthesis includes contradictions that humans experience, and the inability to reconcile these on their own leads to despair.
What are the two forms of true despair according to Kierkegaard as mentioned in the lecture?
-The two forms of true despair are: 1) Not wanting to be oneself, which can manifest as low self-esteem or self-rejection, and 2) Wanting to be oneself but facing the inability to achieve balance and rest, leading to a continuous internal struggle.
What does Kierkegaard suggest is the role of despair in human existence?
-Kierkegaard suggests that despair, while painful, serves to elevate humans above their animalistic nature and propels them towards spirituality. It is a category of the spirit that relates to human eternity and the potential for transcendence.
How does the concept of 'spirituality' relate to despair in Kierkegaard's philosophy?
-In Kierkegaard's philosophy, spirituality is closely related to despair as it represents the human capacity to transcend their natural limitations and reach towards the eternal. Despair is seen as a catalyst for spiritual awakening and growth.
What does Kierkegaard mean by 'the universality of despair'?
-Kierkegaard's concept of 'the universality of despair' implies that all humans experience despair to some degree, often unknowingly. It is a state of being unconscious of one's spiritual destiny, which can only be overcome by recognizing and confronting one's despair.
What is the significance of 'solitude' in dealing with despair according to the lecture?
-Solitude is significant in dealing with despair because it allows individuals to confront their own despair and work towards spiritual transcendence. It is a space for self-reflection and engagement with one's eternal nature.
How does Kierkegaard view the role of faith in overcoming despair?
-Kierkegaard views faith as a crucial element in overcoming despair. It involves a passionate commitment to the possible, which is achieved through solitude, self-reflection, and a belief in the 'absolute' or divine power that can assist in transcending human limitations.
What does Kierkegaard propose as the ultimate goal for humans in relation to despair?
-Kierkegaard proposes that the ultimate goal for humans in relation to despair is to achieve a synthesis of the finite and the infinite, the temporal and the eternal, through faith and a spiritual connection with the absolute, leading to a state of greater freedom and eternal existence.
How does the lecture conclude regarding the human condition and despair?
-The lecture concludes that the opposite of despair is faith, which involves believing in one's ability to synthesize and transcend limitations with the help of an absolute power. This belief leads to a deeper understanding of one's spiritual nature and the potential for unity with the absolute.

Outlines

00:00

📚 Introduction to Kierkegaard's Concept of Despair

The lecture begins with an introduction to the theme of despair, focusing on the philosophical work 'The Sickness Unto Death' by Søren Kierkegaard, published in 1849. The book is dense and philosophically rich, divided into two parts. The first part, which is the focus of this lecture, deals with despair as a mortal illness, subdivided into three books: the first discusses despair in terms of a mortal sickness, the second addresses the universality of despair, and the third delves into the personification of despair. The lecture will explore these concepts through selected text fragments, emphasizing Kierkegaard's view of humans as a synthesis of the infinite and finite, temporal and eternal, freedom and necessity. The human condition is characterized by the struggle to reconcile these contradictions, leading to despair when one cannot achieve this synthesis through their own power.

05:01

🌟 Despair as a Reflection of Human Contradictions

This paragraph delves into the two forms of despair as described by Kierkegaard in the first book of 'The Sickness Unto Death'. The first form is the unwillingness to be oneself, which can manifest as low self-esteem or self-rejection. The second form is the desire to be oneself but facing the inability to achieve balance and rest. Kierkegaard suggests that despair can be both a disadvantage and an advantage. Disadvantageously, it is the worst of miseries and can lead to a state of perpetual 'dying'. Advantageously, when viewed abstractly, despair is beneficial as it elevates humans beyond animality towards spirituality. The lecture also touches on the idea that despair is a category of the spirit, highlighting the human capacity for transcendence and the eternal.

10:03

🤔 The Universality and Awareness of Despair

The third paragraph discusses the universality of despair and the concept that most people are unconscious of their spiritual destiny, which is a form of despair. Kierkegaard argues that while it is impossible to live without despair, it is possible to conceal it. The text suggests that true awareness and conquest of eternity can only be achieved beyond despair. The necessity of solitude is highlighted as a space for individuals to confront their despair and spiritual nature, which is essential for transcending to a higher state of being. The lecture also explores the idea that living in the 'herd' leads to a lack of self-awareness and spiritual growth, whereas personal despair can lead to a profound understanding of one's relationship with the eternal and the divine.

15:07

🙏 Faith and the Transcendence of Despair

The final paragraph focuses on the third book of 'The Sickness Unto Death', which personifies despair and discusses the role of will, freedom, and solitude in overcoming it. Kierkegaard emphasizes that a greater will and self-awareness are necessary for individuals to confront their despair and make decisions that lead to spiritual growth. The text suggests that faith is crucial in this process, as it allows individuals to believe in the possibility of transcending their finite selves towards the infinite and eternal. The lecture concludes with the idea that the opposite of despair is faith, which involves believing in one's ability to synthesize the finite and infinite, and to experience a greater freedom and unity with the absolute.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Despair

Despair, as discussed in the script, refers to a profound sense of hopelessness and dissatisfaction that arises from the human condition. It is a central theme in Kierkegaard's work 'The Sickness Unto Death,' where despair is considered a 'disease unto death.' In the video, despair is explored as an inherent part of human existence due to the contradictions within human nature, such as being both finite and infinite. The script uses despair to illustrate the human struggle for self-identity and the search for meaning beyond the material world.

💡Synthesis

Synthesis in this context refers to the unity or balance of opposing elements within human existence. Kierkegaard describes humans as a synthesis of the infinite and the finite, the temporal and the eternal, and freedom and necessity. The script explains that humans are capable of transcending their natural limitations, but they often fail to achieve this balance on their own, leading to despair. Synthesis is seen as an ideal state where humans can harmoniously integrate these contradictions, which is a central goal in Kierkegaard's philosophy.

💡Transcendence

Transcendence is the concept of going beyond the limits of human nature, particularly material and natural constraints, to reach a higher spiritual state. In the script, it is mentioned that humans have the unique capacity to transcend, which sets them apart from other creatures. The struggle to achieve transcendence is a significant part of the human experience, and it is closely linked to the experience of despair. The video suggests that through self-reflection and faith, individuals can strive for transcendence and overcome despair.

💡Infinite/Eternal

The infinite and eternal are used in the script to describe aspects of human potential that go beyond the finite and temporal. Humans are seen as having the capacity to reach towards the infinite and eternal, which represents a spiritual dimension that is not bound by physical limitations. This concept is central to understanding the human condition as described by Kierkegaard, where the aspiration towards the infinite and eternal is both a source of despair and a path to transcendence.

💡Finitude/Temporal

Finitude and temporality refer to the limited and time-bound nature of human existence. The script contrasts these with the infinite and eternal, highlighting the human condition as a tension between the constraints of the physical world and the aspirations of the spirit. Finitude and temporality are what humans experience in their day-to-day lives, and they form the basis of their material and social interactions, which can lead to a sense of despair if not balanced with spiritual aspirations.

💡Necessity

Necessity in this context refers to the compulsions and limitations that are inherent in human existence, such as biological needs and societal expectations. The script discusses how humans are bound by necessity, which contrasts with their desire for freedom and self-determination. Necessity is part of the human condition that can lead to despair if not reconciled with the aspiration for transcendence.

💡Freedom

Freedom is discussed in the script as the capacity for humans to make choices and to shape their own lives beyond the constraints of necessity. It is a key aspect of human nature that allows for the possibility of transcendence. The video suggests that while humans have the potential for freedom, they often struggle to achieve it due to the limitations of their finite existence, leading to a sense of despair.

💡Self

The concept of 'self' in the script is deeply intertwined with the themes of despair and transcendence. It refers to the individual's sense of identity and self-understanding. Kierkegaard explores the struggle to be true to oneself amidst the contradictions of human existence. The script mentions the desire to be free from the self as a form of despair, as well as the aspiration to become the self one invents, which can lead to a 'suplício' or torment if not achieved.

💡Spirituality

Spirituality in the script is associated with the human capacity to connect with something beyond the material world, often referred to as the eternal or the absolute. It is seen as a path to transcendence and a way to overcome despair. The video discusses how engaging with one's spiritual side can provide the strength to face the challenges of existence and to seek a higher purpose.

💡Faith

Faith, as discussed in the script, is the belief in the possibility of achieving the seemingly impossible, particularly in the context of transcending human limitations. It is portrayed as a crucial element in the struggle against despair and a means to connect with the absolute or divine. The video suggests that faith can empower individuals to believe in their potential for transcendence and to hope for a 'miracle' that allows them to achieve a higher state of being.

💡Absolute

The absolute in the script refers to a higher power or ultimate reality that transcends human understanding. It is associated with the infinite, eternal, and absolute aspects of existence that humans can aspire to connect with. The video discusses how the experience of despair can lead individuals to seek the absolute, which can provide a sense of purpose and meaning beyond their immediate, finite experiences.

Highlights

The lecture's theme is 'despair inquiry' based on Kierkegaard's book 'The Sickness Unto Death', published in 1849.

Kierkegaard's book is dense in philosophical content and is divided into two parts: the first part about despair as a mortal illness, and the second part about despair and sin.

In the first part, Book 1 discusses despair as a mortal illness, Book 2 addresses the universality of despair, and Book 3 deals with the personification of despair.

Kierkegaard's view of humans as a synthesis of the infinite and the finite, the temporal and the eternal, and freedom and necessity.

Despair is experienced when one cannot achieve balance and rest within their own finite, temporal, and necessary aspects.

Two forms of true despair: not wanting to be oneself and the inability to be oneself despite the desire.

Despair as an advantage in abstract terms, as it removes humanity from animality and propels it towards spirituality.

Despair is the worst of miseries from an individual's perspective, but it can be seen as an advantage in a broader, philosophical context.

Despair is a spiritual category that relates to human eternity and the possibility of transcending natural limitations.

The formula for despair is the desire to be rid of oneself, which is a contradiction that humans perpetually seek to resolve.

The book suggests that not being aware of one's despair is a form of despair itself, indicating that everyone is in despair to some extent.

The idea that despair is a universal condition and that everyone is unconscious of their spiritual destiny.

The concept that only through despair can one achieve consciousness of eternity and spiritual transcendence.

The necessity of solitude for individuals to confront their despair and achieve spiritual growth.

In the third book, the discussion of will and freedom, and how solitude is a moment of self-realization and decision-making towards the infinite and eternal.

The importance of faith in overcoming despair, as it allows individuals to believe in the possibility of transcending their limitations.

The concept of salvation as the supreme impossible for humans but possible with divine intervention, highlighting the role of faith in despair.

The conclusion that the opposite of despair is faith, which involves believing in the possibility of human synthesis and transcendence with the absolute.