Description:
(Religious Author Who is Considered to be the First 'Existentialist' Philosopher)
Soren Kierkegaard was a famous Danish philosopher, theologian and religious author. He was well known for his criticism of the philosophies of Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel, Friedrich Wilhelm Joseph Schelling and Karl Wilhelm Friedrich Schlegel. His philosophical work generally deals with the issues of living as a “single individual” and giving priority to concrete human reality over abstract thinking. His work in theology focuses mainly on Christian ethics and institution of the Church. It also deals with the difference between the purely objective proofs of Christianity and a subjective relationship to Jesus Christ. Kierkegaard was also interested in human psychology and his psychological work explores the emotions and the feelings of individuals when facing situations in life. His intellectuality was influenced by Socrates and the Socratic Method. Kierkegaard’s earlier works were mainly written under various pseudonymous characters, presenting their own distinctive viewpoints and interacting with each other.
Birthday
May 5, 1813 (Taurus)
Born In
Denmark
Alternative names
Søren Aabye Kierkegaard
City
Copenhagen, Denmark
Died on
November 11, 1855
Parents
Michael Pedersen Kierkegaard
Ane Sørensdatter Lund Kierkegaard
Relatives
Peter Christian Kierkegaard
What is existentialism according to Soren Kierkegaard?
Existentialism, as understood by Kierkegaard, emphasizes individual responsibility, freedom, and the importance of personal choice in defining one's own essence or existence.
How did Soren Kierkegaard influence modern philosophy?
Kierkegaard's ideas on subjectivity, faith, and the individual's relationship with God have had a significant impact on modern existentialist and postmodern philosophy.
What is the concept of "leap of faith?"
The "leap of faith" refers to the act of making a decision to believe in something that cannot be fully justified or proven by reason alone, as a crucial step in the process of achieving authentic faith.
What is the significance of Kierkegaard's pseudonymous writings?
Kierkegaard often wrote under pseudonyms to present conflicting viewpoints and provoke readers to engage critically with his ideas, encouraging them to confront their own beliefs and assumptions.
How did Kierkegaard view the role of suffering in human life?
Kierkegaard believed that suffering plays a crucial role in human existence, serving as a means to deepen one's understanding of themselves, their relationship with God, and the nature of true faith.