Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Søren Kierkegaard, a 19th-century Danish philosopher, is widely regarded as the father of existentialism. He vehemently opposed the Hegelian emphasis on objective systems and abstract thought, arguing instead for the primacy of subjective experience and individual existence. For Kierkegaard, truth isn’t an objective reality to be discovered, but rather a subjective truth that is lived and passionately appropriated. His concept of ‘subjectivity’ isn’t merely about personal opinion; it’s about the deeply personal and often agonizing process of becoming an individual through making choices and taking responsibility for one’s own existence. This understanding is best elucidated through his framework of the three stages of existence – the aesthetic, the ethical, and the religious – each representing a different mode of relating to the self and the world.
Defining Subjectivity in Kierkegaard’s Philosophy
Kierkegaard’s notion of subjectivity is fundamentally about the individual’s relationship to their own being and to truth. He argues that objective truth, while potentially valuable, is insufficient for genuine human existence. True knowledge, for Kierkegaard, is not about accumulating facts but about *how* one relates to those facts – with passion, commitment, and a conscious awareness of one’s own finitude and limitations. Subjectivity, therefore, is not a retreat into solipsism but a recognition of the inherent limitations of reason and the necessity of making choices based on faith and personal conviction. It’s about ‘truth as subjectivity’ – the idea that truth is not something found ‘out there’ but something *lived* ‘in here’.
The Aesthetic Stage
The aesthetic stage is characterized by a pursuit of pleasure and avoidance of pain. The individual in this stage lives in the moment, seeking immediate gratification and novelty. Subjectivity here is fragmented and dispersed, lacking a unifying center. The aesthetic individual is a ‘many,’ constantly trying on different roles and identities without committing to any one. They are driven by whim and fancy, and their choices are based on what feels good at the moment, rather than on any ethical or religious principles.
- Subjectivity’s Role: Subjectivity is present, but it’s a superficial subjectivity, focused on sensory experience and fleeting emotions.
- Example: A person who flits from hobby to hobby, relationship to relationship, never settling down or taking responsibility for their actions. Don Juan, a character frequently referenced by Kierkegaard, embodies this stage – constantly seeking new conquests but ultimately finding only emptiness.
- Limitations: This stage inevitably leads to boredom, despair, and a sense of meaninglessness because it lacks a grounding principle.
The Ethical Stage
The ethical stage represents a move towards responsibility and commitment. The individual in this stage recognizes universal moral laws and strives to live in accordance with them. They embrace duty, obligation, and social norms. Subjectivity here is more focused and integrated, centered around a sense of self-defined by ethical principles. However, Kierkegaard argues that the ethical stage, while an improvement over the aesthetic, is still ultimately insufficient.
- Subjectivity’s Role: Subjectivity is now informed by a sense of duty and universal moral principles. The individual *chooses* to be ethical, making a conscious commitment to a particular way of life.
- Example: A judge who consistently applies the law fairly and impartially, even when it’s difficult or unpopular. A person who dedicates their life to social justice, driven by a strong sense of moral obligation.
- Limitations: The ethical stage can become rigid and impersonal, leading to a sense of alienation and a loss of individual authenticity. Kierkegaard argues that ethical rules can sometimes conflict with one’s deepest convictions, creating a ‘teleological suspension of the ethical’ – a situation where a higher moral duty (often religious) overrides ethical obligations.
The Religious Stage
The religious stage represents the highest level of existence, characterized by a direct, personal relationship with God. This stage involves a ‘leap of faith’ – a passionate, subjective commitment to a belief that cannot be rationally justified. Subjectivity here is absolute and all-encompassing, centered around a profound sense of faith and a recognition of one’s own sinfulness and dependence on God. This stage is not about adhering to religious doctrines or rituals, but about a deeply personal and transformative encounter with the divine.
- Subjectivity’s Role: Subjectivity is paramount. The individual’s faith is not based on reason or evidence, but on a passionate, subjective conviction. This is where Kierkegaard’s ‘truth as subjectivity’ is most fully realized.
- Example: Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice Isaac, as recounted in the Book of Genesis. This act, while ethically questionable, demonstrates a profound faith and a willingness to obey God’s command, even when it defies reason and morality.
- Paradox and Absurdity: The religious stage embraces paradox and absurdity, recognizing that faith often requires believing in things that are incomprehensible to reason.
Conclusion
Kierkegaard’s exploration of subjectivity and the three stages of existence offers a powerful critique of modern rationalism and a compelling vision of authentic human existence. He argues that true selfhood is not found in objective knowledge or ethical conformity, but in the passionate, subjective appropriation of faith and the courageous acceptance of one’s own finitude. His work continues to resonate today, challenging us to confront the fundamental questions of meaning, purpose, and the nature of belief in a world increasingly dominated by objectivity and skepticism. Ultimately, Kierkegaard’s philosophy emphasizes the importance of individual responsibility and the necessity of making choices that are grounded in personal conviction, even in the face of uncertainty and despair.
Answer Length
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