Søren Kierkegaard’s famous book titled Either/Or is a philosophical work that explores the nature of the human condition, ethics, and the relationship between the individual and society. The work is divided into two parts, each of which presents a distinct perspective on life.
The first part, “The Aesthetic” is presented as a collection of letters and essays from various characters, including the pseudonymous author A and his friend, the aesthete Victor Eremita. This section explores the idea of the “aesthetic life,” a life focused on pleasure and the pursuit of beauty. The aesthete is presented as a person who lives for the moment, seeking out new experiences and sensations. The aesthetic life is characterized by a lack of commitment, as the aesthete refuses to be tied down to any one person or thing. This section also introduces the idea of the “leap of faith,” a concept that will be further developed in the second part of the book.
The second part, “The Ethical” is presented as a series of discourses by A, in which he presents his ideas on morality and ethics. The ethical life, according to A, is one of commitment and responsibility. A argues that individuals must make a conscious choice to live an ethical life, one in which they prioritize their duty to others over their own desires. The ethical life is characterized by a willingness to make sacrifices for the greater good and to face the challenges that come with doing what is right. This section also introduces the idea of the “teleological suspension of the ethical,” in which an individual may be called upon to act in a way that goes against conventional morality in order to fulfill a higher purpose.
Throughout Either/Or, Kierkegaard emphasizes the importance of individual choice and responsibility. He argues that each person must make their own decision about how to live their life, and that this decision should be based on their own values and beliefs. This emphasis on individual choice is particularly relevant in the context of the aesthetic life, where the pursuit of pleasure and beauty can be seen as a rejection of societal norms and expectations.
Kierkegaard’s critique of the aesthetic life is particularly interesting, as it highlights the tension between individual desire and societal expectations. The aesthete, in his pursuit of pleasure, is presented as a rebel against society, refusing to conform to the expectations of others. However, this rebellion is ultimately empty, as the aesthete is unable to find true fulfillment in his pursuit of pleasure. Kierkegaard argues that true fulfillment can only be found in the ethical life, where an individual commits to a higher purpose and makes sacrifices for the greater good.
The concept of the “leap of faith” is also an important aspect of Either/Or, as it represents the idea that true fulfillment can only be found through a personal relationship with God. Kierkegaard argues that the leap of faith requires an individual to make a conscious decision to believe in God, despite the fact that this belief cannot be proven through reason or logic. This decision requires a willingness to accept uncertainty and to trust in a higher power.
Kierkegaard’s emphasis on individual choice and responsibility is also relevant in the context of contemporary society. In a world where individuals are bombarded with competing messages about how to live their lives, Kierkegaard’s ideas about the importance of personal values and beliefs are particularly valuable. His critique of the aesthetic life also speaks to the dangers of consumer culture, where individuals are encouraged to pursue pleasure and material possessions at the expense of meaningful relationships and a sense of purpose.