

Kierkegaard on the Present (Passionless) Age
46 snips Mar 30, 2022
Jacob Howland, a retired philosophy professor and author, delves into the existential insights of Søren Kierkegaard. He discusses the stark differences between ages of passion and reflection, suggesting that contemporary society often prioritizes conformity over individual courage. Howland emphasizes the necessity of embracing authenticity and risk to navigate life's uncertainties, underscoring Kierkegaard's call for personal truth amid societal pressures. The conversation also touches on the decline of spontaneity in sports as a reflection of broader cultural stagnation.
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Kierkegaard's View of Socrates
- Kierkegaard saw Socrates' passion for truth as analogous to Christian faith.
- Socrates took risks in his pursuit of truth, highlighting the role of passion in bridging uncertainty.
Kierkegaard's Core Themes
- Kierkegaard focused on individual existence and the passion needed to live meaningfully.
- He is considered a Christian existentialist due to his emphasis on individual experience.
Subjectivity and Truth
- Kierkegaard believed in objective truth but emphasized the individual's relationship with it.
- He questioned the depth of belief, even in those who worship the true God, if lacking passion.