Soren Kierkegaard

Soren Kierkegaard

• Danish thinker known as one of the first existential philosophers.

• Explored religious themes in his philosophical works.

• Proposed three stages of life: Aesthetic, Ethical, and

  Religious.

Aesthetic stage

• Pleasure Driven

• Temporary Satisfaction

• Childlike Perspective

Pleasure driven

finds meaning in activities that satisfy pleasures.

temporary satisfaction

Desires are inconsistent and fleeting,

childlike perspectibe

Similar to children's temporary fondness for toys, discarding one for another.

Ethical Stage

• Maturity

• moral behavior

• fulfilling roles

maturity

considers the impact of actions on society, not just self

moral behavior

Society and institutions teach ethical conduct.

fulfilling roles

The meaning is derived from harmonious relationships and societal contributions.

Religious

• Faith

• union

• sacrifice

faith

Personal relationship with God

union

Pursuit of union with God leads

to ultimate meaning.

sacrifice

Abraham's willingness to

sacrifice his son exemplifies

ultimate faith.

No Inherent Meaning

Life has no ultimate purpose or afterlife.

Rejection of Higher Being

Denies the idea of a god providing purpose to

life.

Subjective Meaning

Individuals can create personal meaning despite

lack of objective purpose.

Existential Nihilism

• No Inherent meaning

• Rejection of Higher Being

• Subjective meaning

Peaceful Union with Nature

the importance

of connecting with the natural

serving others

Doing good for one's neighbors

contributes to a meaningful life.

love and relationships

Life with loved ones is central to

happiness and meaning.

tolstoy’s perspective on meaning of life

• peaceful union with nature

• serving others

• love and relationships