Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Søren Kierkegaard, a 19th-century Danish philosopher, is widely regarded as the father of existentialism. Central to his philosophy is the concept of ‘choice,’ which he doesn’t view as a mere selection between pre-existing options, but as a constitutive act that defines the self. Choice, for Kierkegaard, isn’t about picking the ‘best’ option based on external criteria, but about passionately committing to a way of being. This commitment, born from subjective truth, shapes the individual’s existence. The question of whether choices can be ‘correct’ or ‘incorrect’ within this framework is crucial to understanding the core tenets of his thought, particularly his critique of objective morality and his emphasis on individual responsibility.
Kierkegaard’s Concept of Choice
Kierkegaard distinguishes choice from mere preference or calculation. True choice involves a ‘leap of faith’ – a passionate, subjective commitment that transcends rational justification. It’s not about weighing pros and cons, but about embracing a possibility despite its inherent uncertainty. This leap is not arbitrary; it’s a deeply personal and responsible act that defines who we are. He believed that humans are fundamentally free and this freedom necessitates constant choice.
The Three Stages of Existence
To understand Kierkegaard’s view on ‘correct’ or ‘incorrect’ choices, it’s essential to consider his three stages of existence: the aesthetic, the ethical, and the religious. Each stage represents a different way of relating to the self and the world.
- The Aesthetic Stage: This stage is characterized by the pursuit of pleasure and avoidance of pain. Choices are made based on immediate gratification and are often fleeting and superficial. In this stage, there is no inherent ‘correct’ or ‘incorrect’ choice, only more or less pleasurable experiences.
- The Ethical Stage: Here, the individual submits to universal moral laws and duties. Choices are guided by principles of right and wrong, and conformity to societal norms is valued. Within this stage, choices *can* be considered correct or incorrect based on adherence to these ethical rules (e.g., Kantian duty). However, Kierkegaard argues this stage is still insufficient for true selfhood.
- The Religious Stage: This is the highest stage, characterized by a direct, personal relationship with God. Choices are made through faith, often defying rational understanding and ethical norms. Here, the concept of ‘correct’ or ‘incorrect’ is radically transformed. The ‘correct’ choice is the one that is demanded by faith, even if it appears irrational or immoral from an ethical perspective (as exemplified by Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice Isaac).
Correctness and Incorrectness in Kierkegaard’s View
Kierkegaard rejects the notion of objective, universally applicable ethical standards. What is ‘correct’ is not determined by external rules, but by the individual’s authentic commitment to a chosen way of being.
Within the aesthetic stage, correctness is simply about maximizing pleasure. In the ethical stage, correctness aligns with societal norms. However, Kierkegaard argues that true correctness only emerges in the religious stage, where it is defined by a subjective relationship with the divine. This doesn’t mean all choices are equally valid; rather, it means that the criteria for evaluating choices are fundamentally different at each stage. A choice that is ‘correct’ for someone in the aesthetic stage might be utterly meaningless for someone in the religious stage.
Furthermore, Kierkegaard emphasizes the importance of ‘despair’ – the disease of the self – which arises from a lack of authentic selfhood. Incorrect choices, in this sense, are those that lead to inauthenticity and a denial of one’s freedom and responsibility. Choosing to live in bad faith, avoiding the anguish of choice, or conforming to societal expectations without genuine conviction are all examples of incorrect choices.
| Stage of Existence | Basis of Choice | Correct/Incorrect? |
|---|---|---|
| Aesthetic | Pleasure & Avoidance of Pain | Relative to individual preference |
| Ethical | Universal Moral Laws | Based on adherence to ethical rules |
| Religious | Faith & Relationship with God | Defined by divine command, subjective truth |
Conclusion
In conclusion, Kierkegaard’s concept of choice is deeply intertwined with his existentialist framework. He doesn’t deny the possibility of evaluating choices, but he radically redefines the criteria for doing so. ‘Correctness’ isn’t an objective property of actions, but a reflection of the individual’s authentic commitment to a chosen way of being, particularly within the religious stage. Ultimately, Kierkegaard’s philosophy challenges us to embrace the anguish of freedom and to take full responsibility for creating our own meaning in a world devoid of inherent purpose.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.