Søren Kierkegaard (1813-1855) was a Danish philosopher, theologian, and poet who is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the development of existentialist thought. Kierkegaard’s philosophy is concerned with the individual’s search for meaning and authenticity in a world that he believed was increasingly becoming impersonal and alienating.
Kierkegaard’s concept of authentic existence is rooted in his understanding of the nature of human beings. He believed that humans are not simply rational beings who can be understood through objective analysis but are instead complex, emotional beings who are constantly struggling to make sense of their existence. Kierkegaard saw human beings as existing in a state of tension between their finite, temporal existence and their infinite, eternal nature. This tension is what drives the human search for meaning and authenticity.
Kierkegaard believed that the search for meaning and authenticity is not something that can be achieved through external means such as wealth, power, or social status. Rather, it is an internal process that requires individuals to confront their own limitations and come to terms with their own mortality. According to Kierkegaard, the search for meaning and authenticity involves a constant struggle to become one’s true self and to live in accordance with one’s own values and beliefs.
For Kierkegaard, authentic existence involves a radical choice to embrace one’s own individuality and to take responsibility for one’s own life. This choice involves rejecting the conformist tendencies of society and the pressure to conform to external norms and expectations. Kierkegaard saw this choice as a leap of faith, an act of courage that requires individuals to confront their own fears and anxieties and to embrace the uncertainty and ambiguity of existence.
Kierkegaard believed that in order to achieve authentic existence, individuals must embrace their own subjectivity and recognize the limitations of their own knowledge and understanding. He rejected the idea that objective knowledge could provide a definitive understanding of reality, arguing that each individual must construct their own understanding of the world based on their own unique experiences and perspectives.
For Kierkegaard, authentic existence involves a rejection of the idea that there is a single, objective truth that can be discovered through reason or scientific inquiry. Instead, he believed that truth is something that is deeply personal and subjective, and that it can only be discovered through a process of self-discovery and self-examination. This process involves a willingness to question one’s own assumptions and beliefs and to embrace the uncertainty and ambiguity of existence.
Kierkegaard believed that authentic existence requires individuals to take responsibility for their own lives and to recognize that their choices have consequences. He rejected the idea that individuals are simply passive victims of their environment, arguing that each individual has the power to shape their own destiny. This requires individuals to be willing to make difficult choices and to take risks in pursuit of their goals and values.
Kierkegaard believed that the pursuit of authentic existence involves a constant struggle against the forces of conformity and social pressure. He saw society as a powerful force that can often discourage individuals from embracing their own individuality and pursuing their own values and beliefs. To achieve authentic existence, individuals must be willing to confront these pressures and to resist the urge to conform to external norms and expectations.
In conclusion, Kierkegaard’s concept of authentic existence is a deeply personal and subjective process that involves a constant struggle to become one’s true self and to live in accordance with one’s own values and beliefs. It requires individuals to embrace their own subjectivity, to reject the conformist tendencies of society, and to take responsibility for their own lives.