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Kierkegaard Knight of Faith

1. Introduction to Kierkegaard

  • Context: Study of Kierkegaard’s philosophy in Radical Philosophy (PHIL106)

  • Key work: Fear and Trembling

2. Faith and Paradox in Kierkegaard’s Thought

2.1 Abraham’s Faith

  • Abraham’s existence defined by his faith.

  • Paradoxical nature of personal faith:

    • Individual's absolute relation to the Absolute.

    • This paradox cannot be explained to others.

2.2 The Leap of Faith

  • Paradox forces individuals to confront an irrational abyss.

  • Truth exists, but is inaccessible without faith.

  • Credo quia absurdum:

    • The finite connecting to the infinite creates contradictions.

    • Yet, these contradictions form the basis of connection.

  • Quote: "Faith sees best in the darkness."

3. The Two Knights

3.1 Knight of Infinite Resignation

  • Understands the problem of seeking truth:

    • Accepts truth cannot be attained in life.

3.2 Knight of Faith

  • Acknowledges the problem yet takes an irrational leap of faith.

  • Achieves truth that transcends this life.

  • Example: Abraham’s faith was deeply rooted in this life, not just the afterlife.

4. Insights from Sarah Bakewell

  • Kierkegaard's astonishment: Abraham and Isaac's ability to return to normalcy after the crisis.

  • The story exemplifies the necessity of an impossible leap to continue after facing flaws.

  • Abraham's resignation followed by reclaiming everything through absurd strength.

5. Kierkegaard and Existentialism

5.1 Existential Problems

  • Defines the existential dilemma:

    • Separation of finite beings from the Absolute.

    • Emphasizes courage and concerns of meaning and meaninglessness.

5.2 Natural Dread and Angst

  • Sickness, dread, angst are part of the existential experience.

  • Quote: "Anxiety is the dizziness of freedom."

6. The Kantian/Existential Dilemma

6.1 Truth and Limitations

  • Truth is unlimited; human beings are limited.

  • Result: separation from Truth.

  • Kierkegaard’s religious solution: Emphasizes looking inward for truth.

  • Definition of truth:

    • "Objective uncertainty maintained through appropriation in passionate inwardness."

7. Kierkegaard's Legacy and the Existentialist Movement

7.1 Framing the Problem

  • Kierkegaard’s premise: Absolute truth's demands create impossible situations for finite beings.

  • Existentialists accept this and seek alternative outcomes.

7.2 Seeking Self-Salvation

  • Importance of actively seeking answers in this life rather than waiting for divine salvation.