Kierkegaard's subjectivity: A passion-religious approach in decision-making

• Main Author: Pallasigui, Dino Marc
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 1998
• Subjects: Subjectivity > Religious aspects; Decision-making (Ethics); Philosophy and religion; Existentialism; Rationalism
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_bachelors/1538
• Institution: De La Salle University

There are varying definitions of man just as there are philosophical approaches to the study of human nature. Traditionally, man is defined as a rational being with special emphasis on his rationality. But Kierkegaard introduced the concept of subjectivity whereby he emphasized instead the existential nature of man more than his rational nature. Man, for Kierkegaard, is not only a thinking being, but first and foremost, a personally existing individual. The introduction of subjectivity led to a better understanding of man. To grasp fully the meaning of subjectivity from the point of view of Kierkegaard, is to be able to understand man's existential nature as well as the nature of his existence. As an existing being, man is a synthesis of the soulish and bodily, united in a third factor as spirit. The spirit is self-consciousness from where emerges the individual who is the principal category of Kierkegaard in his emphasis on man's subjectivity. Man as the person, the individual, is Kierkegaard's concern and not the universal man of traditional philosophy. But man is not a perfect synthesis as he ought to be. He is not always fully integrated in life, try as he may. That is why subjectivity is a process of becoming, a persistent striving to become truly spiritual, that is, to become a perfect balance of unity. However, subjective becoming is impossible outside a God-centered personal existence. Thus, subjectivity must be totally handed over to God in faith. Man must have a personal relationship with God, who alone can restore the perfection and unity of his perfection. Personal existence is concrete individual existence. Therefore, subjectivity is always ordered to action. And the link between subjectivity and action is decision-making. Decision-making to be truly subjective, must be exercised in the light of faith. A subjective decision must spring from an objective uncertainty held fast in an appropriation process of the most passionate inwardness. This is the greatest possible manifestation of faith, the highest degree of subjectivity possible for an existing individual.