Søren Kierkegaard

Existential theory is a theory which in my opinion you need an open heart and mind to be able to fully understand. Existential theory concepts are great and many of the aspects of this theory I agree with. When looking into this theory the main aspect that I appreciated was that a lot of the values were the same as the ones I have. According to our textbook, the existential tradition definition is seeking a balance between recognizing the limits and tragic dimensions of human existence on one…

The categorical imperative, to Immanuel Kant, is an overarching principle of acting towards others the way you would like for them to treat everybody else; a slight furtherance of the ‘Golden Rule’(Where your actions are based upon the way you would like them to treat you). The categorical imperative creates a moral basis based upon one’s understanding of their own individuality coupled with an empathetic understanding of those around them, based upon their precepts that they’ve come to…

Kierkegaard, Camus, and Sartre are three main philosophers that have overlapping ideas of Existentialism. Throughout Kierkegaard 's book Fear and Trembling, Camus’ book Absurd Creation, and Sartre’s book Existentialism and play No exit, the idea of the ability for one to make one’s own choices and decisions through free will is shown. These philosophers opened my eyes to a new perspective on what existence precedes essence means. While reading these books, I agreed with some ideas as opposed to…

Kierkegaard explains that the greatest outcomes, stem from the expectation of the impossible (Kierkegaard, 30). The knight of faith, strengthened by his singular relationship, reaches for what others would declare out of his grasp. He takes joy in the effort to embrace the absurd absolutely (Kierkegaard, 44). For example, Kierkegaard tells the story of a man walking home to his wife who has the expectation of an impossible…

Kierkegaard uses the parable of the jewel, to illustrate the difference in thought in the passionate and reflective ages. In the following essay, I will explore the difference between the two ages to gain a deeper understanding of Kierkegaard’s sentiments behind the example, before explaining the parable and showing how his prophetic analysis is truer than ever. Kierkegaard begins the The Present Age by stating that the present age is “one of understanding and reflection, without passion,…

1- What are the various interpretations that can applied to the word “meaningful” in the question “Is life meaningful?” How does each interpretation impact the resultant answer? There are two interpretations that can be applied to the word “meaningful” in the question “Is life meaningful?” The first is that of objective meaning. This means that in order for life to have meaning, it must have objective meaning. Objective in this context refers to the independence of other’s thoughts or what…

1) Please describe the concept of unfinished business as used in Gestalt Therapy (2 points) a. Unfinished business refers to the idea that clients have some unresolved conflict that is holding them back at the present time. In other words, unfinished business can be described as the feelings that are associated with certain memories that the client is not completely aware of. Moreover, Gestalt therapists may use the process of figure formation to better understand how the individual organizes…

William W. Jacobs displays his existentialist nature through themes of freedom, responsibility, and death. In “The Monkey’s Paw,” Jacobs demonstrates these themes progressively through his characters and their actions after a cursed talisman eradicates all limitations. Arash Farzaneh defines existentialism as the measurement of humankind’s “responsibility when facing a universe devoid of laws.” Fundamentally unbound by religious conviction, humankind is required to take responsibility for their…

‘L’Étranger’ is a novel written by Albert Camus in 1942. The title of this work has an ambiguous meaning which leaves space to open interpretation; it has been translated to English as ‘The Outsider’ or ‘The Stranger’, as the French term ‘étranger’ comprises both these shades of meaning. Meursault, the multifaceted character that Camus chose as the protagonist, can be in fact regarded as an outsider, for he is completely alien to the society he lives in and to a series of social norms which at…

Growing up we all possess a natural youthfulness in our minds, we easily have the ability to imagine, create, explore, etc. This creativity is stopped by nothing, as we are all so ambitious at a grade school age. My grandmother is a 4th grade assistant teacher, seldomly I visit her at work. I often do so after leaving university, attending my personal classes. More often then not I find myself asking “why”. Why do I have to take this class? Why am I in my major of choice? Why am I repeating the…