Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/kierkegaard
In our increasingly complex and often bewildering modern world, grappling with feelings of meaninglessness, alienation, and the erosion of traditional values is a common experience. The Coursera course, “Søren Kierkegaard – Subjectivity, Irony and the Crisis of Modernity,” offers a profound and accessible exploration of these very issues through the lens of the Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard.
This course is an absolute gem for anyone interested in existentialism, philosophy, or simply understanding the undercurrents of contemporary thought. It meticulously unpacks Kierkegaard’s early work, “The Concept of Irony,” positioning Socrates as Kierkegaard’s intellectual lodestar. The syllabus is structured brilliantly, guiding learners through Kierkegaard’s life, his critical engagement with Hegelian philosophy, and his nuanced views on Socrates. You’ll delve into concepts like Socratic irony, aporia, and the daimon, understanding how Kierkegaard adapted and critiqued these ideas.
The lectures don’t shy away from the intellectual battles Kierkegaard fought, detailing his disputes with contemporaries like Hans Lassen Martensen and Johan Ludvig Heiberg. We explore Kierkegaard’s sharp critique of Romantic irony, contrasting it with the Socratic ideal, and how this reflects the modern malaise of nihilism and subjectivism. The course masterfully connects these philosophical discussions to Kierkegaard’s personal life, including his engagement with Regine Olsen, providing a holistic view of the thinker.
A significant portion of the course is dedicated to Kierkegaard’s prolific pseudonymous works, such as “Either/Or,” “Fear and Trembling,” and “The Concept of Anxiety.” It clarifies the intricate relationships between these works and how they systematically explore Christian concepts like faith, sin, and the incarnation, often drawing surprising parallels with pagan philosophy. The instructors do an excellent job of demystifying Kierkegaard’s complex literary strategies and the radicality of his thought.
Finally, the course culminates in an examination of the latter half of Kierkegaard’s authorship, including his powerful critiques of the Danish state church and his final works like “The Sickness unto Death.” It reinforces the enduring influence of Socrates on Kierkegaard’s thinking, even until his death.
**Recommendation:**
I wholeheartedly recommend this course. Whether you’re a philosophy student or a curious individual seeking deeper insights into the human condition, this course provides an exceptional foundation in Kierkegaard’s thought. The instructors are knowledgeable and engaging, making complex philosophical ideas digestible without sacrificing depth. It’s a journey that not only illuminates Kierkegaard but also offers a powerful framework for understanding the persistent challenges of modernity. Prepare to be challenged, enlightened, and perhaps even transformed.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/kierkegaard