Who was Soren Kierkegaard and what was his philosophy regarding existentialism?

Søren Aabye Kierkegaard (1813–1855) was a Danish Christian philosopher, theologian, and social critic, widely considered a founding figure in existentialism. Convinced that the Christian faith, as it was generally practiced, had lost its way, Kierkegaard was a fierce critic of religious dogma.

What kind of philosopher is Kierkegaard?

Søren Kierkegaard was a 19th-century Danish philosopher who has been labeled by many as the “Father of Existentialism”, although there are some in the field who express doubt in labeling him an existentialist to begin with. His philosophy also influenced the development of existential psychology.

What are the 3 stages of existence in Kierkegaard?

In the pseudonymous works of Kierkegaard’s first literary period, three stages on life’s way, or three spheres of existence, are distinguished: the aesthetic, the ethical, and the religious.

Was Soren Kierkegaard a Universalist?

Faith. Faith is a hallmark of Kierkegaardian philosophical and religious thought. Two of his key ideas are based on faith: the leap to faith and the knight of faith. Some regard Kierkegaard as a Christian Universalist, writing in his journals, “If others go to Hell, I will go too.

What did Soren Kierkegaard write about?

For his emphasis on individual existence—particularly religious existence—as a constant process of becoming and for his invocation of the associated concepts of authenticity, commitment, responsibility, anxiety, and dread, Søren Kierkegaard is generally considered the father of existentialism.

What is Søren Kierkegaard known for?

In addition to being dubbed “the father of existentialism,” Kierkegaard is best known as a trenchant critic of Hegel and Hegelianism and for his invention or elaboration of a host of philosophical, psychological, literary and theological categories, including: anxiety, despair, melancholy, repetition, inwardness, irony …

What do you think about Søren Kierkegaard’s books?

A collection of books and writings by Søren Kierkegaard. Søren Kierkegaard was the first existentialist philosopher, sharp and clear, ironic and down to earth at the same time. His writings can be hard to comprehend. I have been reading some of his books as they were written, in Danish, and I can imagine that translators must have had a hard job.

Is Søren Kierkegaard related to Henrik Ibsen?

The dramatist Henrik Ibsen is said to have become interested in Kierkegaard as well as the Norwegian national writer and poet Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson (1832–1910) who named one of his characters Søren Pedersen in his 1890 book In God’s Way. Kierkegaard’s father’s name was Michael Pedersen Kierkegaard.

Is Kierkegaard’s biography boring?

You’ve written several books about Kierkegaard, but the most recent one is a biography. Most philosophers’ biographies are on the boring side; philosophers tend to be people who spend a lot of time in libraries, or writing, or just talking to people. But Kierkegaard is quite different in this respect.

Who anticipated Kierkegaard’s major literary projects?

Martensen also anticipated Kierkegaard’s first major literary project, by publishing a book on Faust.