Kierkegaard is an existentialist philosopher. Existentialism is about the thoughts such as "Who am I?" and "How do I want to live?" It refers to the pursuit of one's true self.
This is what the teacher says.
This is what Christianity says.
Existentialism
This is how I want to be.
This is how my existence should be.
Subjective truth and exceptional person
Kierkegaard placed great importance on subjective truth. Subjective truth refers the truths that are significant to an individual. In order to recognize oneself as a unique being, distinct from others, the subjective truth becomes necessary.
The background to Kierkegaard's thinking in this way might stem from his awareness of being an "exceptional person." The sense of being different from others or society, the feeling of being an "exception," could have led him to adopt an attitude of seeking subjective truth.
Kierkegaard existentialism
Kierkegaard begins with Christianity in his thinking. At the end of despair, such as betrayal, poverty, or illness, a person becomes utterly alone. There is no one left to help. In such a situation, what can one rely on?
Kierkegaard believed that the answer is God. In the ultimate despair, a person becomes a "Single Individual." When one becomes a Single Individual, they stand face-to-face with God and cling to Him.
This state is the ultimate human existence, that is, the true self. Before becoming one-on-one with God, a person goes through several stages of existence.
Aesthetic
Ethical
Religious
At first, one begins with an aesthetic existence, where the individual seeks pleasure and enjoyment. They pursue fun and gratifying experiences, but eventually, they lose themselves in the process. This marks the limit of the aesthetic existence.
Next comes the ethical existence. In this stage, the individual is finally able to act ethically. They move from a life of indulgence in pleasure to one that is guided by moral principles. However, this too has its limitations, and eventually, the individual will turn to a transcendent being, God, for solace.
The state of being one-on-one with God is the religious stage that Kierkegaard emphasizes. This represents the ultimate stage, where a person transcends the limits of aesthetic and ethical existence and confronts their true self in relation to God.
Difference between Kierkegaard and Nietzsche
The difference between Kierkegaard and Nietzsche is whether they affirm or deny Christianity.
Not denying Christianity
Kierkegaard seeks Christianity to save his weak self.
He starts with the premise of being weak.
Denying Christianity
Nietzsche completely denies Christianity as a philosophy for the weak.
Nietzsche believed that overcoming weakness and seeking power is where true humanity lies.
Centered around Christianity, Kierkegaard and Nietzsche can be said to have considered the concept of existentialism from completely opposite positions.
