Søren Kierkegaard/scratch page

Søren Aabye Kierkegaard (5 May 1813 – 11 November 1855) was a Danish philosopher, theologian, poet, social critic and religious author who is widely considered to be the first existentialist philosopher.

Historical Introduction to Philosophy/General Introduction

Rejection of Descartes
Kierkegaard was concerned by the the way people had taken truths as given. René Descartes' 'Meditations' for example supposedly show a way in which the self is proved by thought alone: I think, I doubt my existence, My doubt proves my existence. The Preface of Kierkegaard's 'Fear and Trembling' criticizes such an idea that has been present in philosophy ever since, Descartes should not have concluded that he exists, only that doubt characterizes thought at that specific moment in time. Influenced by Socratic Method, and to some extent David Hume, Kierkegaard suggests that one should never stop doubting. The problem with philosophies since Descartes is that they always start with doubting when in fact it can never be moved passed.

Concerns with Hegel and the Importance of Agency
In the time in which Kierkegaard was writing in Copenhagen most philosophers considered themselves as followers of Hegel. Briefly Hegel suggests that 'spirit' moves through time bringing history to logical and set conclusions. Kierkegaard felt that such an idea left people as spectators of history rather than participants within in it. History has no final goal defined by the spirit moving through it, it course is set by the individual things that cause the motion of it. Thus Kierkegaard suggests each human being is a agent in history that is able to contribute, to an extent, to the outcome of events. The importance of experience is apparent in the way that Kierkegaard makes his texts challenging and open to interpretation, one has to be actively involved in deciphering his philosophical accounts. Kierkegaard's works can be challenging but rewarding, anyone attempting to read them should keep an open mind and discuss with others what they find within the texts. After all Philosophy is a social activity that requires active participation.

Should we Simply be Following the Will of God?
Some debate is apparent of whether Kierkegaard was suggesting humans should follow God's will alone. 'Fear and Trembling' for example follows the Biblical story of Abraham under the pseudoname Johannes De Silentio. Johannes may seem to suggest that only good and perfection can come from following God's will, even to the extremes of Killing one's only child. Yet at the same time Silentio seems to allude to the fact that such blind and perfect action is probably impossible and if it is possible it is only from actively practicing one's own ethical doctrine, and that such doctrines do not necessitate religious views. Kierkegaard's view that one should experience and live their own methods of living, religious or not is apparent throughout his works.

How to Read Kierkegaard
There is obviously no correct way to go about reading Kierkegaards texts but many readers find frustration with not knowing the view Kierkegaard wants to make present. When anyone comes to read Kierkegaard, it should be discussed and carefully deciphered. The reader is well served by accompanying works with other texts, for example reading Fear and Trembling can be accompanied by John Lippet's introduction to Kierkegaard.