Sylvia Walsh
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780199208357
- eISBN:
- 9780191695728
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199208357.003.0001
- Subject:
- Religion, Theology, History of Christianity
This chapter prepares the stage for reading Kierkegaard in context by presenting a biographical overview of his religious upbringing and theological education, the major intellectual influences and ...
More
This chapter prepares the stage for reading Kierkegaard in context by presenting a biographical overview of his religious upbringing and theological education, the major intellectual influences and events in his life, and the nature and phrases of his writings as they unfolded in the historical and intellectual milieu of his time. It explores a tendency of some people to localize Kierkegaard by emphasizing the Danish context of his authorship. The chapter suggests that his writings should be viewed in the broader arena of European intellectual and sociopolitical developments in the first half of the 19th century.Less
This chapter prepares the stage for reading Kierkegaard in context by presenting a biographical overview of his religious upbringing and theological education, the major intellectual influences and events in his life, and the nature and phrases of his writings as they unfolded in the historical and intellectual milieu of his time. It explores a tendency of some people to localize Kierkegaard by emphasizing the Danish context of his authorship. The chapter suggests that his writings should be viewed in the broader arena of European intellectual and sociopolitical developments in the first half of the 19th century.
DAVID R. LAW
- Published in print:
- 1993
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780198263364
- eISBN:
- 9780191682506
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198263364.003.0002
- Subject:
- Religion, Theology
This chapter examines to what extent apophatic motifs are present in the basic structure of Søren Kierkegaard's thought, particularly in his dialectics. It analyses the dialectical structure of ...
More
This chapter examines to what extent apophatic motifs are present in the basic structure of Søren Kierkegaard's thought, particularly in his dialectics. It analyses the dialectical structure of Kierkegaard's works and the form of dialectics he used to analyse existential and philosophical problems and suggests that apophatic motifs can be found in the very foundations upon which Kierkegaard's thought is based. Though there are many different interpretations of Kierkegaard's dialectics there is a general agreement that he has transposed Hegelian dialectics from the essential to the existential.Less
This chapter examines to what extent apophatic motifs are present in the basic structure of Søren Kierkegaard's thought, particularly in his dialectics. It analyses the dialectical structure of Kierkegaard's works and the form of dialectics he used to analyse existential and philosophical problems and suggests that apophatic motifs can be found in the very foundations upon which Kierkegaard's thought is based. Though there are many different interpretations of Kierkegaard's dialectics there is a general agreement that he has transposed Hegelian dialectics from the essential to the existential.
DAVID R. LAW
- Published in print:
- 1993
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780198263364
- eISBN:
- 9780191682506
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198263364.003.0004
- Subject:
- Religion, Theology
This chapter examines various interpretations of Søren Kierkegaard's thesis that states that ‘subjectivity is the truth’. It reviews literature on Kierkegaard's theory of truth and discusses the ...
More
This chapter examines various interpretations of Søren Kierkegaard's thesis that states that ‘subjectivity is the truth’. It reviews literature on Kierkegaard's theory of truth and discusses the scope and purpose of his concept of truth and the basic principle of his position. It analyses Kierkegaard's concept of subjectivity and objectivity and contends that his theory of truth was developed not on the basis of identity, but based on the existential division of thought and being.Less
This chapter examines various interpretations of Søren Kierkegaard's thesis that states that ‘subjectivity is the truth’. It reviews literature on Kierkegaard's theory of truth and discusses the scope and purpose of his concept of truth and the basic principle of his position. It analyses Kierkegaard's concept of subjectivity and objectivity and contends that his theory of truth was developed not on the basis of identity, but based on the existential division of thought and being.
Anthony Rudd
- Published in print:
- 1997
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780198752189
- eISBN:
- 9780191695063
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198752189.001.0001
- Subject:
- Philosophy, History of Philosophy, Moral Philosophy
This book introduces, explains, and discusses some of Søren Kierkegaard's central ideas, showing their relevance to current debates in ethics, epistemology, and the philosophy of religion. The book ...
More
This book introduces, explains, and discusses some of Søren Kierkegaard's central ideas, showing their relevance to current debates in ethics, epistemology, and the philosophy of religion. The book uses these ideas to illuminate questions about the foundations of morality and the nature of personal identity, as discussed by analytical philosophers such as Alasdair MacIntyre, Derek Parfit, Bernard Williams, and Philippa Foot. This book offers a way forward from the sterile conflict between the view that morality and religion are based on objective reasoning and the view that they are merely expressions of subjective emotions. It argues that morality and religion must be understood in terms of the individual's search for a sense of meaning in his world, but emphasises that this does not imply that values are arbitrary or merely subjective.Less
This book introduces, explains, and discusses some of Søren Kierkegaard's central ideas, showing their relevance to current debates in ethics, epistemology, and the philosophy of religion. The book uses these ideas to illuminate questions about the foundations of morality and the nature of personal identity, as discussed by analytical philosophers such as Alasdair MacIntyre, Derek Parfit, Bernard Williams, and Philippa Foot. This book offers a way forward from the sterile conflict between the view that morality and religion are based on objective reasoning and the view that they are merely expressions of subjective emotions. It argues that morality and religion must be understood in terms of the individual's search for a sense of meaning in his world, but emphasises that this does not imply that values are arbitrary or merely subjective.
DAVID R. LAW
- Published in print:
- 1993
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780198263364
- eISBN:
- 9780191682506
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198263364.003.0001
- Subject:
- Religion, Theology
This introductory chapter explains the coverage of this book, which is about the apophaticism or negative theology of philosopher and theologian Søren Kierkegaard. This book traces the historical ...
More
This introductory chapter explains the coverage of this book, which is about the apophaticism or negative theology of philosopher and theologian Søren Kierkegaard. This book traces the historical background of Kierkegaard's apophaticism and the methodological foundations of his thoughts. It describes the anthropological and theological basis of Kierkegaard and his theory of stages or spheres of existence. It then compares the aphophatic motifs of Kierkegaard's thoughts with those of negative theologians.Less
This introductory chapter explains the coverage of this book, which is about the apophaticism or negative theology of philosopher and theologian Søren Kierkegaard. This book traces the historical background of Kierkegaard's apophaticism and the methodological foundations of his thoughts. It describes the anthropological and theological basis of Kierkegaard and his theory of stages or spheres of existence. It then compares the aphophatic motifs of Kierkegaard's thoughts with those of negative theologians.
Noreen Khawaja
- Published in print:
- 2016
- Published Online:
- September 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780226404516
- eISBN:
- 9780226404653
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University of Chicago Press
- DOI:
- 10.7208/chicago/9780226404653.003.0003
- Subject:
- Religion, Philosophy of Religion
Here the core issue of Kierkegaard’s thought—what it means to become a Christian—is presented as a psychological adaptation of the Pietist ideal of conscious, ongoing conversion. As Kierkegaard ...
More
Here the core issue of Kierkegaard’s thought—what it means to become a Christian—is presented as a psychological adaptation of the Pietist ideal of conscious, ongoing conversion. As Kierkegaard adapts this religious model of conversion to the task of becoming a self, he develops a new language of identity in which the individual’s relation to herself is charged with ascetic normativity. The chapter identifies the originality of Kierkegaard’s appropriative view of choice––the view that any choice is at once an act of self-making and an act of penitence––as a key foundation for existential notions of authenticity.Less
Here the core issue of Kierkegaard’s thought—what it means to become a Christian—is presented as a psychological adaptation of the Pietist ideal of conscious, ongoing conversion. As Kierkegaard adapts this religious model of conversion to the task of becoming a self, he develops a new language of identity in which the individual’s relation to herself is charged with ascetic normativity. The chapter identifies the originality of Kierkegaard’s appropriative view of choice––the view that any choice is at once an act of self-making and an act of penitence––as a key foundation for existential notions of authenticity.
Samuel Moyn
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- November 2015
- ISBN:
- 9780231147750
- eISBN:
- 9780231519670
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Columbia University Press
- DOI:
- 10.7312/columbia/9780231147750.003.0010
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Metaphysics/Epistemology
This chapter examines the issue of canonization and how it intersects with the problem of secularization by focusing on the invention of Søren Kierkegaard as the forebear of existentialism. More ...
More
This chapter examines the issue of canonization and how it intersects with the problem of secularization by focusing on the invention of Søren Kierkegaard as the forebear of existentialism. More specifically, it looks at the invention of anxiety: the separation of this central concept of Kierkegaard’s psychology from his corpus and the secularization of its meaning from his originally theistic framework. The chapter begins with a review of the byways and stages of the percolation of Kierkegaard’s texts and themes in European and then American thought. It then traces the history of the fate of Kierkegaard’s concept of anxiety by analyzing his 1944 work The Concept of Anxiety. It also considers how Kierkegaard came to occupy a central place in the existential canon in the years straddling World War II. Finally, it explores how the category of anxiety vacillated in meaning and significance when deployed in the works of various thinkers such as Kierkegaard, Karl Jaspers, Martin Heidegger, Ludwig Binswanger, Jean Wahl, and Jean-Paul Sartre.Less
This chapter examines the issue of canonization and how it intersects with the problem of secularization by focusing on the invention of Søren Kierkegaard as the forebear of existentialism. More specifically, it looks at the invention of anxiety: the separation of this central concept of Kierkegaard’s psychology from his corpus and the secularization of its meaning from his originally theistic framework. The chapter begins with a review of the byways and stages of the percolation of Kierkegaard’s texts and themes in European and then American thought. It then traces the history of the fate of Kierkegaard’s concept of anxiety by analyzing his 1944 work The Concept of Anxiety. It also considers how Kierkegaard came to occupy a central place in the existential canon in the years straddling World War II. Finally, it explores how the category of anxiety vacillated in meaning and significance when deployed in the works of various thinkers such as Kierkegaard, Karl Jaspers, Martin Heidegger, Ludwig Binswanger, Jean Wahl, and Jean-Paul Sartre.
DAVID R. LAW
- Published in print:
- 1993
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780198263364
- eISBN:
- 9780191682506
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198263364.003.0007
- Subject:
- Religion, Theology
This chapter examines the apophatic structure of Søren Kierkegaard's Christology. It analyses Kierkegaard's kenotic theory, his soteriology, and his development of the concept of contemporaneity, and ...
More
This chapter examines the apophatic structure of Søren Kierkegaard's Christology. It analyses Kierkegaard's kenotic theory, his soteriology, and his development of the concept of contemporaneity, and discusses his understanding of the Incarnation. This chapter concludes that apophaticism in Kierkegaard's Christology is highlighted by his belief that when Christ has assumed human form he has concealed his divinity so radically that he cannot reveal it even if he wishes to do so. In his soteriology apophatic motifs appeared in the emphasis on the humanward aspect of the atonement and in his rejection of attempts to ascertain the relationship between the Divine Persons in the atoning process.Less
This chapter examines the apophatic structure of Søren Kierkegaard's Christology. It analyses Kierkegaard's kenotic theory, his soteriology, and his development of the concept of contemporaneity, and discusses his understanding of the Incarnation. This chapter concludes that apophaticism in Kierkegaard's Christology is highlighted by his belief that when Christ has assumed human form he has concealed his divinity so radically that he cannot reveal it even if he wishes to do so. In his soteriology apophatic motifs appeared in the emphasis on the humanward aspect of the atonement and in his rejection of attempts to ascertain the relationship between the Divine Persons in the atoning process.
Sylvia Walsh
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780199208357
- eISBN:
- 9780191695728
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199208357.001.0001
- Subject:
- Religion, Theology, History of Christianity
Søren Kierkegaard (1813–1855) was first and foremost a Christian thinker who is perhaps best known for his devastating attack upon Christendom or the established order of his time. Not since Luther ...
More
Søren Kierkegaard (1813–1855) was first and foremost a Christian thinker who is perhaps best known for his devastating attack upon Christendom or the established order of his time. Not since Luther has there been a Protestant thinker who has so uncompromisingly sought to define and present Christianity in its utmost integrity. Characterizing Christianity as an ‘existence-communication’ rather than a doctrine, Kierkegaard sought to portray what it means to be a Christian in the strictest sense in the interest of reintroducing authentic Christianity as an existential possibility for every individual in the modern age. This book explores Kierkegaard's understanding of Christianity and the existential mode of thinking theologically appropriate to it in the context of the intellectual, cultural, and socio-political milieu of his time. The author contrasts his approach with objective ways of doing theology, which in his view falsify Christianity and the believer's relation to it. The study begins with a biographical overview of the personal and intellectual influences, theological upbringing, important events, and phases of authorship in Kierkegaard's life. The author highlights some of his most important contributions to Christian thought concerning the Christian understanding of God, and our human condition in anxiety, sin, and despair.Less
Søren Kierkegaard (1813–1855) was first and foremost a Christian thinker who is perhaps best known for his devastating attack upon Christendom or the established order of his time. Not since Luther has there been a Protestant thinker who has so uncompromisingly sought to define and present Christianity in its utmost integrity. Characterizing Christianity as an ‘existence-communication’ rather than a doctrine, Kierkegaard sought to portray what it means to be a Christian in the strictest sense in the interest of reintroducing authentic Christianity as an existential possibility for every individual in the modern age. This book explores Kierkegaard's understanding of Christianity and the existential mode of thinking theologically appropriate to it in the context of the intellectual, cultural, and socio-political milieu of his time. The author contrasts his approach with objective ways of doing theology, which in his view falsify Christianity and the believer's relation to it. The study begins with a biographical overview of the personal and intellectual influences, theological upbringing, important events, and phases of authorship in Kierkegaard's life. The author highlights some of his most important contributions to Christian thought concerning the Christian understanding of God, and our human condition in anxiety, sin, and despair.
Anthony Rudd
- Published in print:
- 1997
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780198752189
- eISBN:
- 9780191695063
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198752189.003.0004
- Subject:
- Philosophy, History of Philosophy, Moral Philosophy
Reconstructing Søren Kierkegaard's argument for the ethical showed that there is good reason for making serious commitments to certain ground projects, which involves accepting the conventional, ...
More
Reconstructing Søren Kierkegaard's argument for the ethical showed that there is good reason for making serious commitments to certain ground projects, which involves accepting the conventional, intersubjective standards of assessment that go with such projects. This chapter argues for the necessity of cultivating certain virtues which are generally valuable for the carrying out of whatever projects one has adopted. It also claims that there is reason to believe that there can be some consensus as to which projects are good and worth pursuing, though the amount of agreement likely to emerge here should not be overestimated. What this chapter has not yet provided is any justification for universal benevolence or judgement and this is not assumed to be possible.Less
Reconstructing Søren Kierkegaard's argument for the ethical showed that there is good reason for making serious commitments to certain ground projects, which involves accepting the conventional, intersubjective standards of assessment that go with such projects. This chapter argues for the necessity of cultivating certain virtues which are generally valuable for the carrying out of whatever projects one has adopted. It also claims that there is reason to believe that there can be some consensus as to which projects are good and worth pursuing, though the amount of agreement likely to emerge here should not be overestimated. What this chapter has not yet provided is any justification for universal benevolence or judgement and this is not assumed to be possible.
DAVID R. LAW
- Published in print:
- 1993
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780198263364
- eISBN:
- 9780191682506
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198263364.003.0005
- Subject:
- Religion, Theology
This chapter examines the three stages in Søren Kierkegaard's spheres of existence. These are the aesthetic, ethical, and religiousness stages. The aesthetic individual is concerned only with the ...
More
This chapter examines the three stages in Søren Kierkegaard's spheres of existence. These are the aesthetic, ethical, and religiousness stages. The aesthetic individual is concerned only with the physical, the finite, and the temporal, while the ethical individual is one who has chosen to discard his aesthetic or finite self. The religious individual is one who has realized that the ethical sphere is inadequate. This chapter suggests that this theory and his other theses reveal that there is an apophatic undercurrent running through Kierkegaard's thought.Less
This chapter examines the three stages in Søren Kierkegaard's spheres of existence. These are the aesthetic, ethical, and religiousness stages. The aesthetic individual is concerned only with the physical, the finite, and the temporal, while the ethical individual is one who has chosen to discard his aesthetic or finite self. The religious individual is one who has realized that the ethical sphere is inadequate. This chapter suggests that this theory and his other theses reveal that there is an apophatic undercurrent running through Kierkegaard's thought.
Daniel Berthold
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- March 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780823233946
- eISBN:
- 9780823240432
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Fordham University Press
- DOI:
- 10.5422/fso/9780823233946.003.0007
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Philosophy of Language
This chapter situates Kierkegaard's commitment to death in companionship with a similar, if not identical, commitment on the part of Friedrich Nietzsche. Both conceptualize the relation between self ...
More
This chapter situates Kierkegaard's commitment to death in companionship with a similar, if not identical, commitment on the part of Friedrich Nietzsche. Both conceptualize the relation between self and other as occurring across an abyss of difference that dissolves the authority of the author, and adhere to a philosophy of language in which the author's text becomes infinitely interpretable according to the position occupied by the reader. But notwithstanding the inventiveness with which Kierkegaard and Nietzsche practice the art of dying, we can discern a fundamental ambivalence: With every intention of dying, they have recurring second thoughts; at the entrance to the tomb they hesitate, giving in to a certain nostalgia for the privileged position of the author.Less
This chapter situates Kierkegaard's commitment to death in companionship with a similar, if not identical, commitment on the part of Friedrich Nietzsche. Both conceptualize the relation between self and other as occurring across an abyss of difference that dissolves the authority of the author, and adhere to a philosophy of language in which the author's text becomes infinitely interpretable according to the position occupied by the reader. But notwithstanding the inventiveness with which Kierkegaard and Nietzsche practice the art of dying, we can discern a fundamental ambivalence: With every intention of dying, they have recurring second thoughts; at the entrance to the tomb they hesitate, giving in to a certain nostalgia for the privileged position of the author.
Anthony Rudd
- Published in print:
- 1997
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780198752189
- eISBN:
- 9780191695063
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198752189.003.0005
- Subject:
- Philosophy, History of Philosophy, Moral Philosophy
The book has now followed Søren Kierkegaard's account of the progress through the stages of life. It has also discussed and endorsed its polemic against objectivism. The book is hoping that it has ...
More
The book has now followed Søren Kierkegaard's account of the progress through the stages of life. It has also discussed and endorsed its polemic against objectivism. The book is hoping that it has presented clearly that this does not involve a defence of arbitrariness or of the invention of values by each individual and is believing that Kierkegaard has shown his readers a way out of the sterile conflict between this subjectivism and pseudo-scientific objectivism. The book has also followed the argument for ethics and concluded that there is good reason for making particular commitments and for developing relevant virtues. This book overall has been one of criticism and clarification. Ultimately, however, it is only each individual's felt need for meaning that can determine the choices and commitments that he or she will make.Less
The book has now followed Søren Kierkegaard's account of the progress through the stages of life. It has also discussed and endorsed its polemic against objectivism. The book is hoping that it has presented clearly that this does not involve a defence of arbitrariness or of the invention of values by each individual and is believing that Kierkegaard has shown his readers a way out of the sterile conflict between this subjectivism and pseudo-scientific objectivism. The book has also followed the argument for ethics and concluded that there is good reason for making particular commitments and for developing relevant virtues. This book overall has been one of criticism and clarification. Ultimately, however, it is only each individual's felt need for meaning that can determine the choices and commitments that he or she will make.
DAVID R. LAW
- Published in print:
- 1993
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780198263364
- eISBN:
- 9780191682506
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198263364.003.0003
- Subject:
- Religion, Theology
This chapter examines Søren Kierkegaard's attempt to undermine epistemology and the certainty of knowledge. It explains the two forms of scepticism in Kierkegaard's thoughts. These are ...
More
This chapter examines Søren Kierkegaard's attempt to undermine epistemology and the certainty of knowledge. It explains the two forms of scepticism in Kierkegaard's thoughts. These are anthropological scepticism that arises from the position of the knower and ontological scepticism that arises from the nature of the object known. This chapter suggests that in order for Kierkegaard to protect the Christian faith and the integrity of the human being from various tendencies of epistemology he must be able to show that knowledge is not capable of bearing the weight that is often placed upon it and that the knower and the known are inextricably bound up with each other even in everyday realities.Less
This chapter examines Søren Kierkegaard's attempt to undermine epistemology and the certainty of knowledge. It explains the two forms of scepticism in Kierkegaard's thoughts. These are anthropological scepticism that arises from the position of the knower and ontological scepticism that arises from the nature of the object known. This chapter suggests that in order for Kierkegaard to protect the Christian faith and the integrity of the human being from various tendencies of epistemology he must be able to show that knowledge is not capable of bearing the weight that is often placed upon it and that the knower and the known are inextricably bound up with each other even in everyday realities.
Leonardo Lisi
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- May 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780823245321
- eISBN:
- 9780823252541
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Fordham University Press
- DOI:
- 10.5422/fordham/9780823245321.001.0001
- Subject:
- Literature, Criticism/Theory
This book argues that two ways of understanding the aesthetic organization of literary works have been inherited from the late 18th century and dominate discussions of European modernism today: the ...
More
This book argues that two ways of understanding the aesthetic organization of literary works have been inherited from the late 18th century and dominate discussions of European modernism today: the aesthetics of autonomy, associated with the self-sufficient work of art, and the aesthetics of fragmentation, practiced by the avant-gardes. Yet both of these models rest on assumptions about the nature of truth and existence that cannot be treated as exhaustive of modernist form. The present book accordingly traces an alternative aesthetics of dependency that provides a different formal structure, philosophical foundation, and historical condition for modernist texts. Taking Europe's Scandinavian periphery as its point of departure, the book examines how Søren Kierkegaard and Henrik Ibsen imagined a response to the changing conditions of modernity different from those at the European core, one that subsequently influenced Henry James, Hugo von Hofmannsthal, Rainer Maria Rilke, and James Joyce. Combining close readings with a broader revision of the nature and genealogy of modernism, Marginal Modernity challenges what we understand by modernist aesthetics, their origins, and their implications for how we conceive of our relation to the modern world.Less
This book argues that two ways of understanding the aesthetic organization of literary works have been inherited from the late 18th century and dominate discussions of European modernism today: the aesthetics of autonomy, associated with the self-sufficient work of art, and the aesthetics of fragmentation, practiced by the avant-gardes. Yet both of these models rest on assumptions about the nature of truth and existence that cannot be treated as exhaustive of modernist form. The present book accordingly traces an alternative aesthetics of dependency that provides a different formal structure, philosophical foundation, and historical condition for modernist texts. Taking Europe's Scandinavian periphery as its point of departure, the book examines how Søren Kierkegaard and Henrik Ibsen imagined a response to the changing conditions of modernity different from those at the European core, one that subsequently influenced Henry James, Hugo von Hofmannsthal, Rainer Maria Rilke, and James Joyce. Combining close readings with a broader revision of the nature and genealogy of modernism, Marginal Modernity challenges what we understand by modernist aesthetics, their origins, and their implications for how we conceive of our relation to the modern world.
Anthony Rudd
- Published in print:
- 1997
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780198752189
- eISBN:
- 9780191695063
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198752189.003.0002
- Subject:
- Philosophy, History of Philosophy, Moral Philosophy
This chapter discusses Søren Kierkegaard's theory of knowledge, his critique of Hegelian metaphysics, his treatment of scepticism, and his conception of subjective truth. These are not only important ...
More
This chapter discusses Søren Kierkegaard's theory of knowledge, his critique of Hegelian metaphysics, his treatment of scepticism, and his conception of subjective truth. These are not only important and interesting in themselves; they also provide a background against which to understand his ethical and religious writings. Kierkegaard's conclusion is that the purely disengaged approach to knowledge can eventually lead only to scepticism, which is not theoretically refutable, but which can only be broken with by an act of will, a refusal to accept the validity of the wholly disengaged stance. In this chapter, however, a different kind of knowledge becomes possible, based not on the effort to be objective, but on a commitment to subjectivity, on passionate concern, rather than dispassionate observation.Less
This chapter discusses Søren Kierkegaard's theory of knowledge, his critique of Hegelian metaphysics, his treatment of scepticism, and his conception of subjective truth. These are not only important and interesting in themselves; they also provide a background against which to understand his ethical and religious writings. Kierkegaard's conclusion is that the purely disengaged approach to knowledge can eventually lead only to scepticism, which is not theoretically refutable, but which can only be broken with by an act of will, a refusal to accept the validity of the wholly disengaged stance. In this chapter, however, a different kind of knowledge becomes possible, based not on the effort to be objective, but on a commitment to subjectivity, on passionate concern, rather than dispassionate observation.
DAVID R. LAW
- Published in print:
- 1993
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780198263364
- eISBN:
- 9780191682506
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198263364.003.0006
- Subject:
- Religion, Theology
This chapter examines Søren Kierkegaard's doctrine of God. It discusses Kierkegaard's definition of the term God and his treatment of the arguments for the existence of God. It analyses how human ...
More
This chapter examines Søren Kierkegaard's doctrine of God. It discusses Kierkegaard's definition of the term God and his treatment of the arguments for the existence of God. It analyses how human beings acquire knowledge of God and highlights the apophaticism implicit in Kierkegaard's thoughts. This chapter concludes that Kierkegaard believed that all arguments for the existence of God are inadequate and invalid. This is because God is transcendent of both the world and man's reasoning faculties and as such arguments for the existence of God would only be viable if man is above God and able to treat him as an object.Less
This chapter examines Søren Kierkegaard's doctrine of God. It discusses Kierkegaard's definition of the term God and his treatment of the arguments for the existence of God. It analyses how human beings acquire knowledge of God and highlights the apophaticism implicit in Kierkegaard's thoughts. This chapter concludes that Kierkegaard believed that all arguments for the existence of God are inadequate and invalid. This is because God is transcendent of both the world and man's reasoning faculties and as such arguments for the existence of God would only be viable if man is above God and able to treat him as an object.
DAVID R. LAW
- Published in print:
- 1993
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780198263364
- eISBN:
- 9780191682506
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198263364.003.0008
- Subject:
- Religion, Theology
This chapter examines whether Søren Kierkegaard may be considered a negative theologian. It suggests that though apophaticism is an inherent element in Kierkegaard's thought he stands in a very ...
More
This chapter examines whether Søren Kierkegaard may be considered a negative theologian. It suggests that though apophaticism is an inherent element in Kierkegaard's thought he stands in a very different tradition from negative theologians. This is because the motivating force in the theologies of the negative theologians is not Kierkegaard existentialism but Neoplatonism with its emphasis on the One and the problem of multiplicity. His most basic similarity with the negative theologians is his emphasis on the transcendence of God.Less
This chapter examines whether Søren Kierkegaard may be considered a negative theologian. It suggests that though apophaticism is an inherent element in Kierkegaard's thought he stands in a very different tradition from negative theologians. This is because the motivating force in the theologies of the negative theologians is not Kierkegaard existentialism but Neoplatonism with its emphasis on the One and the problem of multiplicity. His most basic similarity with the negative theologians is his emphasis on the transcendence of God.
Sylvia Walsh
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780199208357
- eISBN:
- 9780191695728
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199208357.003.0007
- Subject:
- Religion, Theology, History of Christianity
This chapter discusses the relation of religion, culture, and society in Kierkegaard's writings. It discusses the phenomenon of leveling in the present age, the phantom of the public, the principle ...
More
This chapter discusses the relation of religion, culture, and society in Kierkegaard's writings. It discusses the phenomenon of leveling in the present age, the phantom of the public, the principle of association, unum noris omnes, the European crisis of 1848, martyrs and pastors as reformers of the crowd, the relation of religion and politics, the Church militant and the Church triumphant, and the function and authority of the institutional church. It examines Kierkegaard's final open attack against the state church. The attack came from two stages, first from a series of articles in a political newspaper, Fædrelandet, followed by a series of self-published pamphlets called The Moment. The final section investigates the reception of his writings and contributions to Christian thought.Less
This chapter discusses the relation of religion, culture, and society in Kierkegaard's writings. It discusses the phenomenon of leveling in the present age, the phantom of the public, the principle of association, unum noris omnes, the European crisis of 1848, martyrs and pastors as reformers of the crowd, the relation of religion and politics, the Church militant and the Church triumphant, and the function and authority of the institutional church. It examines Kierkegaard's final open attack against the state church. The attack came from two stages, first from a series of articles in a political newspaper, Fædrelandet, followed by a series of self-published pamphlets called The Moment. The final section investigates the reception of his writings and contributions to Christian thought.
Julia T. Meszaros
- Published in print:
- 2016
- Published Online:
- March 2016
- ISBN:
- 9780198765868
- eISBN:
- 9780191820502
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198765868.003.0002
- Subject:
- Religion, Philosophy of Religion, Theology
Chapter 2 examines Kierkegaard’s thought on love and the self in order to better penetrate Tillich’s and Murdoch’s own ideas on the subject, which directly engage Kierkegaard and his more radical ...
More
Chapter 2 examines Kierkegaard’s thought on love and the self in order to better penetrate Tillich’s and Murdoch’s own ideas on the subject, which directly engage Kierkegaard and his more radical successors. It is argued that Kierkegaard still sought to maintain a link between selfless love and individual human flourishing. He insists that true (Christian) love is based on self-denial but equally calls the individual to authentic existence through self-affirmation. The chapter closely engages Kierkegaard’s critics and rejects interpretations which suggest that Kierkegaard rejects eros and self-love. It is nonetheless concluded that Kierkegaard fails to adequately integrate selfless love and human flourishing insofar as he does not affirm the needs and desires of the finite individual, and has a tendency towards solipsism. The chapter ends with a discussion of Tillich’s and Murdoch’s reception of Kierkegaard.Less
Chapter 2 examines Kierkegaard’s thought on love and the self in order to better penetrate Tillich’s and Murdoch’s own ideas on the subject, which directly engage Kierkegaard and his more radical successors. It is argued that Kierkegaard still sought to maintain a link between selfless love and individual human flourishing. He insists that true (Christian) love is based on self-denial but equally calls the individual to authentic existence through self-affirmation. The chapter closely engages Kierkegaard’s critics and rejects interpretations which suggest that Kierkegaard rejects eros and self-love. It is nonetheless concluded that Kierkegaard fails to adequately integrate selfless love and human flourishing insofar as he does not affirm the needs and desires of the finite individual, and has a tendency towards solipsism. The chapter ends with a discussion of Tillich’s and Murdoch’s reception of Kierkegaard.
