Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Søren Kierkegaard, a 19th-century Danish philosopher, is widely considered the father of existentialism. His work grapples with the challenges of individual existence, faith, and the search for meaning in a seemingly absurd world. His provocative assertion, “Subjectivity is truth,” is often misinterpreted as a form of relativism. However, within the context of his broader philosophical project, particularly his exploration of ‘the single individual’ ( *den Enkelte*), it signifies a radical emphasis on personal appropriation of truth through passionate commitment and lived experience, rather than objective, demonstrable facts. This answer will unpack this statement, elucidating its meaning within Kierkegaard’s framework and its implications for the individual’s journey towards authentic selfhood.
Understanding Kierkegaardian Subjectivity
For Kierkegaard, subjectivity isn’t merely about personal opinion or feeling. It’s a deeply existential concept tied to the way an individual *relates* to truth. He distinguishes between objective truth – facts that can be universally verified – and subjective truth – the passionate, personal appropriation of those facts. Objective truth, he argues, is insufficient for genuine human existence. It remains external to the individual and doesn’t address the fundamental questions of how to live, what to believe, and what gives life meaning.
“Subjectivity is Truth” – A Deeper Dive
Kierkegaard’s claim isn’t that objective truth doesn’t exist, but that objective truth becomes meaningful only when it is subjectively appropriated. Truth, for Kierkegaard, isn’t a proposition to be accepted intellectually, but a reality to be *lived*. This living out of truth requires a leap of faith, a passionate commitment that transcends rational justification. He illustrates this through the concept of religious faith, arguing that believing in God isn’t about proving God’s existence, but about making a subjective commitment to a relationship with the divine. This commitment, even in the face of uncertainty, is what constitutes the ‘truth’ of faith for the individual.
The Problem of ‘The Single Individual’
The concept of ‘the single individual’ (*den Enkelte*) is central to understanding Kierkegaard’s philosophy. This individual is not simply a unique person, but someone who exists in a state of profound isolation and responsibility, confronting the fundamental questions of existence without the comfort of societal norms or collective beliefs. The ‘crowd’, for Kierkegaard, represents the leveling force of conformity, suppressing individuality and hindering authentic selfhood.
The ‘single individual’ must make choices – choices about how to live, what to believe, and what to value – without relying on external authorities or pre-established systems of meaning. This process of choosing is inherently subjective, and the truth of those choices lies not in their objective correctness, but in the individual’s passionate commitment to them. For example, choosing a vocation isn’t about finding the ‘best’ job objectively, but about finding a path that resonates with one’s deepest passions and values, and committing to it wholeheartedly.
Stages on Life’s Way
Kierkegaard outlines three ‘stages on life’s way’ – the aesthetic, the ethical, and the religious – each representing a different mode of existence and a different relationship to truth.
| Stage | Characteristics | Relationship to Truth |
|---|---|---|
| Aesthetic | Pursuit of pleasure, immediate gratification, avoidance of commitment. | Truth is sought as novelty and excitement; lacks depth and commitment. |
| Ethical | Adherence to universal moral principles, duty, and social norms. | Truth is found in objective moral laws; can lead to a sense of obligation but lacks personal passion. |
| Religious | Faith in God, acceptance of paradox, passionate commitment to a personal relationship with the divine. | Truth is found through a subjective leap of faith; requires abandoning rational understanding and embracing paradox. |
The ‘single individual’ must navigate these stages, ultimately reaching the religious stage to achieve authentic existence. However, even within the ethical stage, subjective appropriation is crucial – simply following rules isn’t enough; one must genuinely believe in and commit to the ethical principles.
The Role of Passion and Despair
Kierkegaard emphasizes the role of passion in the pursuit of subjective truth. Without passion, truth remains abstract and lifeless. However, the process of choosing and committing can also lead to despair – the realization of one’s own freedom and responsibility, and the awareness of the possibility of making the wrong choices. Despair, for Kierkegaard, is not simply a negative emotion, but a crucial step towards self-awareness and authentic existence. It forces the individual to confront their own limitations and to make conscious choices about who they want to be.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Kierkegaard’s assertion that “Subjectivity is truth” is not a denial of objective reality, but a profound statement about the nature of human existence and the importance of personal appropriation. For ‘the single individual’, truth isn’t something to be discovered, but something to be created through passionate commitment and lived experience. This requires confronting the challenges of freedom, responsibility, and despair, ultimately leading to a more authentic and meaningful life. Kierkegaard’s philosophy remains relevant today, challenging us to move beyond passive acceptance of external norms and to actively construct our own values and beliefs.
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.