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Kierkegaard's philosophy of life: existential dilemmas and subjective choices

author:Michito Kusatake
Kierkegaard's philosophy of life: existential dilemmas and subjective choices

Summary:

This article explores Kierkegaard's philosophy of life, focusing on his existential dialectics and theory of subjective choice. First, Kierkegaard's main ideas are introduced, and then the relationship between the existential dilemma and the subject's choice is analyzed in depth. The dialectic of survival emphasizes that individuals should maintain flexibility and openness in thinking when facing existential dilemmas, while subjective choices are individuals' reflections and choices on their own true inner needs and beliefs. Through dialectical thinking and subjective choices, individuals can better cope with various challenges in life and maximize their self-worth.

Kierkegaard's philosophy of life: existential dilemmas and subjective choices

I. Introduction

Søren Kierkegaard was a 19th-century Danish philosopher and theologian whose philosophy of life was known for his unique concern and deep insight. His ideas have had a profound impact on Western philosophy and culture, especially on the meaning of human existence and the question of faith. Among his extensive and prolific writings, he is best known for his discussions of individual existence, as well as on topics related to the Christian faith.

Kierkegaard's philosophy of life has important theoretical significance and practical value. First of all, his ideas emphasize the uniqueness and complexity of individual existence, calling on people to liberate themselves from the pressures of groups and social norms and truly experience their own existence. This emphasis on the individual remains relevant in modern society, especially in the relationship between individualism and social identity.

Secondly, Kierkegaard's discussion of faith is also an important part of his philosophy of life. He believes that the highest state of human existence is the relationship with God, and this relationship is not only a rational belief, but also involves the existence of the individual and the whole person. Therefore, his ideas have important implications for understanding religious phenomena and belief experience, and have an important guiding role for modern people's dilemma between faith and reason, and between the individual and society.

Kierkegaard's philosophy of life: existential dilemmas and subjective choices

II. Analysis of the Existential Dilemma of Man

A. Limitations of traditional philosophy: the neglect of the question of human existence

In traditional philosophy, the issue of human existence is often placed within the framework of rational thinking and universal laws, ignoring the uniqueness of the individual and the deep-seated needs of existence. Traditional philosophy focuses more on universal principles and norms, and ignores the dilemmas and challenges faced by individuals in real life. For example, the rationalist philosophy of the Age of Enlightenment emphasized universal rational principles and objective laws, ignoring individual emotions and subjective experiences, and failing to explain the contradictions and conflicts in human existence.

The limitation of traditional philosophy lies in its lack of in-depth understanding of the real state of human existence, which leads to the neglect and contempt of individual problems. Kierkegaard, on the other hand, reveals the limitations of traditional philosophy by focusing on the uniqueness of the individual and the deep-seated needs of existence, emphasizing the real dilemmas and challenges faced by the individual in his existence.

Kierkegaard's philosophy of life: existential dilemmas and subjective choices

B. The Anxiety and Nothingness of the Individual: Kierkegaard's Question Points

Kierkegaard was deeply concerned with the anxiety and nihilism that individuals fall into in modern society. He believes that the progress and development of modern society have brought about the abundance of material life, but it has also brought about the emptiness and sense of loss in people's hearts. In modern society, individuals are often faced with the pressure and anxiety of free choice, unable to determine the meaning and value of their lives, and falling into a state of nihilism of existence.

Kierkegaard pointed out the existential dilemmas faced by individuals in modern society through an in-depth analysis of the anxiety and nihilism of the individual's heart. He believes that individuals need to reflect and explore from the depths of their hearts in order to find the true meaning and value of life. It is only through deep inner reflection and the choice of faith that the individual can get rid of anxiety and nothingness and find inner peace and tranquility.

Kierkegaard's philosophy of life: existential dilemmas and subjective choices

C. The Importance of Survival Communication: Introverted Reflection and Subjectivity

Kierkegaard emphasized the importance of existential communication, that is, the communication and dialogue between the individual's heart and God. He believed that individual existence is not only about living under the pressures of society and reason, but more importantly about the relationship and communication with God. Only through communication with God can individuals find the true meaning and value of life, and get rid of anxiety and nothingness.

Kierkegaard's theory of survival communication emphasizes the introversion of the individual's inner reflection and the manifestation of the subjectivity of belief choice. Individuals need to reflect and explore from the depths of their hearts to find their relationship with God, so as to find the true meaning and value of life. It is only through inner communication and dialogue that the individual can get rid of anxiety and nothingness and achieve true existential freedom and inner peace.

In Kierkegaard's view, survival communication is not only a dialogue between the individual and God, but also a dialogue and communication between the individual and the self. Only through dialogue and communication with the heart can individuals find the true meaning and value of their lives and achieve inner peace and tranquility. Therefore, survival communication has an important position and significance in Kierkegaard's philosophy of life, and it is the key for individuals to get rid of anxiety and nothingness.

Kierkegaard's philosophy of life: existential dilemmas and subjective choices

III. Human Survival Communication

A. Introverted Reflection: Analysis of the communication process between the individual and himself

Kierkegaard's philosophy of life emphasizes the exploration and reflection of the inner world of the individual as an important way to escape anxiety and nothingness. Introverted reflection is the process of communication and dialogue between the individual and himself, and is the exploration and confirmation of his inner needs and beliefs.

In modern society, individuals are often faced with various troubles and temptations from the external environment and social pressures, resulting in inner confusion and loss. Introverted reflection is the individual's return to self in such a context, exploring the true needs and values of the heart. Individuals seek meaning and purpose in life by reflecting on their own experiences, beliefs, and values. This process is not only an examination of one's own emotions and experiences, but also a recognition and understanding of the individual's inner world, so that the individual can understand himself more clearly and find inner peace and tranquility.

Introverted reflection also includes the examination and management of individual emotions and desires. Individuals are often swayed by the external environment and social expectations, leading to inner anxiety and uneasiness. Through reflection on their own emotions and desires, individuals can better understand their own needs and limitations, and thus take greater control of their lives. This kind of introverted reflection not only helps the individual to understand himself, but also pushes the individual to face life's challenges and dilemmas more confidently.

Kierkegaard's philosophy of life: existential dilemmas and subjective choices

B. Indirect Communication with God: A Discussion of Infinite Passion in the Paradox of Faith

Kierkegaard argues that communication between the individual and God is an important way out of anxiety and nothingness, but this communication is not a direct dialogue, but is achieved through the choice and experience of faith. In modern society, individuals are often challenged by the paradox of faith, that is, the contradiction and conflict between rational thinking and belief. Individuals often oscillate between rational thinking and beliefs, unable to determine their own beliefs and values.

In this case, the individual needs to communicate with God through the choice and experience of faith. Faith is not simply the acceptance of a certain doctrine or theory, but an experience and belief in the deep heart of an individual. Through the choice and experience of faith, individuals can find a way to connect and communicate with God, and thus find the true meaning and value of life. This indirect communication with God not only helps the individual to escape anxiety and nothingness, but also allows the individual to experience the infinite passion and meaning of life.

In the challenge of the paradox of faith, individuals often need to go through a period of inner struggle and confusion, but only through the choice and experience of faith can they find true inner peace and tranquility. Individuals need to trust their inner voice and stand up for their beliefs and values in order to achieve communication and dialogue with God. This indirect communication with God not only frees the individual from anxiety and nothingness, but also allows the individual to experience the true meaning and value of life.

Kierkegaard's philosophy of life: existential dilemmas and subjective choices

IV. Subjective Choices and Survival Realms

A. Analysis of the Dialectic of Survival: Kierkegaard's Methodology

Kierkegaard's dialectic of survival emphasizes the dialectical thinking and decision-making process of individuals in the face of existential dilemmas. He believes that survival is a process full of contradictions and conflicts, and individuals need to understand and deal with such contradictions and conflicts through dialectical thinking. The dialectic of survival first requires the individual to recognize the contradictions and conflicts of existence, not simply as a binary opposition of opposites, but as a dialectical unity. Individuals need to find ways and means to solve problems through awareness and understanding of contradictions and conflicts.

The dialectic of survival also requires individuals to maintain flexibility and openness in their thinking when faced with existential dilemmas. Individuals cannot stick to a fixed concept or position, but need to constantly adjust and revise their way of thinking to adapt to the changing living environment. This flexibility and open-mindedness enable individuals to better understand and respond to the challenges and dilemmas of survival.

Kierkegaard's philosophy of life: existential dilemmas and subjective choices

B. The Truth of the Subject's Choice: The Inquiry into the Subjective Truth

Kierkegaard believes that the subjective choice is an important choice faced by an individual in the process of survival, and it is an individual's understanding and choice of his own survival state. The subject's choice is not simply choosing a certain behavior or way, but an individual's deep reflection and choice of his or her own values and beliefs. In the subjective choice, individuals need to recognize their true inner needs and beliefs, and find a way of survival and goals that are consistent with them.

Subjective decision-making involves the inquiry of subjective truth, that is, the real experience and belief of the individual's heart. Kierkegaard believes that truth does not exist objectively, but is an experience and cognition of the individual's heart. Through inner reflection and experience, individuals can find the truths and beliefs that are most in line with themselves. The subjective choice is the individual's exploration and choice of subjective truth, and the individual's response to the most authentic voice in his heart.

Kierkegaard's philosophy of life: existential dilemmas and subjective choices

C. The goal of becoming "that individual": the meaning and value of subjective choices

The ultimate goal of the subject's choice is to become "that individual", that is, the individual's truest inner self. In modern society, individuals are often affected by the external environment and social pressures, leading to inner loss and confusion. Subjective decision-making can help individuals find their true inner needs and beliefs, so as to become their true selves.

To be "that individual" means that the individual maintains consistency and coherence in self-perception and values in the process of survival. Through the subjective choice, individuals can find the most suitable way of survival and goals with their hearts, so as to achieve self-realization and value maximization. Becoming "that individual" not only brings peace and tranquility to the individual, but also makes the individual more confident and determined in real life.

Kierkegaard's philosophy of life: existential dilemmas and subjective choices

V. Conclusion

Kierkegaard's philosophy of life profoundly explores the dialectical thinking and subjective decision-making process of the individual in the face of the existential dilemma. He believes that survival is full of contradictions and conflicts, and individuals need to understand and respond to these contradictions and conflicts through dialectical thinking. The dialectic of survival emphasizes that individuals should maintain flexibility and openness in their thinking when facing existential dilemmas, so as to better adapt to changes in the living environment. The subjective choice is the individual's reflection and choice of his or her true inner needs and beliefs, aiming to become his or her true self.

The existential dilemma is closely related to the subject's choice. When individuals are faced with the dilemma of survival, they often need to find ways and methods to solve the problem through subjective choices. The existential dilemma is not only a challenge to individual thinking, but also a manifestation of individual subjectivity. In the existential dilemma, individuals need to recognize and understand the essence of the problem through dialectical thinking, and at the same time, they also need to choose their own survival methods and goals through subjective choices.

Kierkegaard's philosophy of life: existential dilemmas and subjective choices

Author: Lu Xilin

Bibliography:

The Meaning of Life

Existentialism and Human Emotions

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