Søren Kierkegaard

Abstract

Soren Kierkegaard was a Danish philosopher and religious writer. Generally neglected in his lifetime, he came to have a considerable impact on twentieth-century thought. He has often been described as "the father of existentialism" and, although simplistic, this label does draw attention to Kierkegaard's central concern to think "existentially". Kierkegaard's writings can be divided into two broad groups, the "pseudonymous" and the signed. The former – which appeared under a variety of bizarre Latinate names – covers a remarkable range of philosophical, theological and literary themes. In most of these works, the "pseudonym" is not simply a false name for Kierkegaard. The problem of evil is a pervasive theme in Kierkegaard's writings. What Kierkegaard calls the "aesthetic" way of life is not, as one might suppose, one essentially directed to the enjoyment or art or beauty. Kierkegaard's fullest portrayal of an aesthete is that of a highly reflective and refined young man known simply as "A".