Søren Kierkegaard: Denmark (1813–1855)

Summary

For Kierkegaard, truth is a subjective reality which we must live, not something to simply consider and discuss. His self-consciousness and self-examination highlight the practical demands of existence, and he opposes the speculative thinking of philosophical idealists. Kierkegaard says much of life's meaning depends not on external conditions but on our internal choices about relating to them.

InEither/Or, he concentrates on sensual indulgence versus duty and the avant garde versus tradition. InSickness unto Death, Kierkegaard diagnoses a spiritual disease throughout society: despair.

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