Søren Kierkegaard, the Danish philosopher and theologian, is known for his emphasis on the importance of subjectivity and becoming in human existence. According to Kierkegaard, the individual’s subjective experience is the key to understanding the nature of existence and the possibility of becoming a true self. In this essay, we will explore Kierkegaard’s concept of subjectivity and becoming and its implications for human existence.
Kierkegaard’s Concept of Subjectivity
Kierkegaard believed that subjectivity is the key to understanding the nature of existence. He argued that the individual’s subjective experience is the starting point for all knowledge and that objective knowledge is only possible after the subjective experience has been acknowledged.
Kierkegaard believed that objective knowledge is limited and that it cannot capture the complexity and depth of human existence. He believed that subjective experience is richer and more complex than objective knowledge and that it is the only way to understand the true nature of existence.
Kierkegaard believed that the subjective experience is not simply a matter of personal opinion or preference. He believed that it is a fundamental aspect of human existence that is rooted in our relationship with God. Kierkegaard argued that our subjective experience is shaped by our relationship with God and that our understanding of ourselves is intimately tied to our understanding of God.
Kierkegaard’s Concept of Becoming
Kierkegaard believed that becoming is a fundamental aspect of human existence. He argued that the individual is constantly in the process of becoming and that this process is shaped by the individual’s subjective experience.
Kierkegaard believed that becoming involves a continual movement towards a higher state of being. He argued that the individual is constantly striving to become a true self and that this process involves a continual struggle against the forces of conformity and social pressure.
Kierkegaard believed that becoming requires a willingness to embrace the uncertainty and ambiguity of existence. He argued that the individual must be willing to take risks and to confront the unknown in order to become a true self.
Implications for Human Existence
Kierkegaard’s emphasis on subjectivity and becoming has important implications for human existence. It highlights the importance of personal experience and the need for individuals to engage with their own subjective experience in order to understand the true nature of existence.
Kierkegaard’s concept of becoming emphasizes the importance of personal growth and development. It underscores the need for individuals to continually strive towards a higher state of being and to resist the forces of conformity and social pressure.
Kierkegaard’s emphasis on subjectivity and becoming also highlights the importance of personal responsibility. It underscores the need for individuals to take responsibility for their own lives and to resist the temptation to conform to the expectations of others.
Kierkegaard’s emphasis on subjectivity and becoming also has important implications for ethics. It highlights the importance of individual choice and the need for individuals to take responsibility for their own moral decisions.
Kierkegaard’s emphasis on subjectivity and becoming also has important implications for religion. It highlights the importance of personal faith and the need for individuals to engage with their own relationship with God in order to understand the true nature of existence.
Conclusion
Kierkegaard’s emphasis on subjectivity and becoming is a powerful and insightful perspective on the nature of human existence. It highlights the importance of personal experience, personal growth, personal responsibility, and personal faith. It underscores the need for individuals to engage with their own subjective experience in order to understand the true nature of existence and to strive towards a higher state of being. Kierkegaard’s emphasis on subjectivity and becoming is a profound reminder of the importance of individual choice and the need for individuals to take responsibility for their own lives.