Exam 14: The Existentialist: Søren Kierkegaard

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The main points of difference between the views of Descartes and Kierkegaard lie in their perspectives on knowledge, existence, and the role of faith in understanding reality.

Descartes, a rationalist philosopher, believed in the power of reason and the ability of the human mind to attain certain knowledge through the process of doubt and skepticism. He famously stated "Cogito, ergo sum" (I think, therefore I am), emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and rational thought in understanding one's existence. Descartes' approach to knowledge was based on the idea that through systematic doubt, one could arrive at indubitable truths about the world.

On the other hand, Kierkegaard, an existentialist philosopher, emphasized the subjective nature of existence and the importance of individual experience and faith. He argued that truth is not something that can be objectively proven or known through reason alone, but is instead a matter of personal commitment and passion. Kierkegaard's concept of "leap of faith" illustrates his belief in the necessity of embracing uncertainty and making a personal, subjective commitment to religious belief and existential truth.

For example, Descartes' famous method of doubt involved systematically questioning the validity of all his beliefs in order to arrive at certain knowledge. This approach led him to the conclusion that the only thing he could be certain of was his own existence as a thinking being. In contrast, Kierkegaard's emphasis on subjective experience and faith can be seen in his concept of the "knight of faith," who is willing to embrace the paradoxes and uncertainties of existence in order to find meaning and purpose in life.

In summary, Descartes and Kierkegaard differed in their views on the nature of knowledge, existence, and the role of faith in understanding reality. While Descartes emphasized the power of reason and systematic doubt, Kierkegaard focused on the subjective nature of existence and the importance of personal commitment and faith.