SOREN KIERKEGAARD 1813-1855: A Danish writer/social critic frequently credited with providing the conceptual tools for modern existentialism.
Ontology – The material world was not his topic. Let the scientists alone!
His philosophical interest is metaphysical – the place of reason, suffering
and passion in life.
His role is to redefine what it means to become a Christian: this touches
the issue of subjective truth.
His metaphysical world will not deal with objective facts/questions.
Epistemology-
Position on Revelation, Intuition
He does not seem to accept Biblical or Church authority.
He attacks rationality and logic. Attacks Hegel.
He favors commitment – the leap of faith – not “knowing”
as such.
Subjectivity is the realm of existence. Live inwardly.
The passions provide insights.
There is no correct form – it is all personal, individual.
Axiology-
Aesthetics/ethics/religious modes of existence are his topic – but it
is the “getting there” that takes up his time.
Existential dialectic
No purpose
No rational direction
Boredom is the enemy of aesthetics
Bureaucratic rationality is the end of ethics – burnout
Religion requires “the teleological suspension of the ethical”-
God’s orders can offend- Abraham and the sacrifice of his son.
