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2. How did Kierkegaard's philosophy differ from other existentialist thinkers of his time?

Alphonse Larmouth

Kierkegaard's philosophy differed greatly from other existentialist thinkers of his time. While many of his contemporaries saw existence as a cosmic accident with no meaning or purpose behind it, Kierkegaard believed that individual existence was the most significant aspect of life. He argued that human beings are not simply physical beings, but that we have a spiritual dimension that makes us unique among all other natural forms.

One of the key differences between Kierkegaard and other existentialist thinkers is his emphasis on religion as a critical component of human existence. For Kierkegaard, religion was not just a set of beliefs or practices, but an incredibly personal and subjective experience that could not be imposed on others. He saw faith as an individual's willingness to confront the unknown and the unpredictable, even in the face of great suffering or adversity.

Kierkegaard also believed that the search for meaning in life could not be addressed through abstract philosophical systems or theories. Instead, he argued that each individual must confront their existence and find their own meaning through their experiences and relationships with others. This focus on the subjective experience of existence was a radical departure from traditional philosophy, which typically viewed existence as something that could be understood or explained objectively.

Another key aspect of Kierkegaard's philosophy is his rejection of the idea of objective truth. He argued that truth was something that could only be experienced subjectively, through personal relationships and experiences. As a result, he saw truth as something that was constantly evolving and changing as people moved through life.

Despite the many differences between Kierkegaard and other existentialist thinkers of his time, he did share certain core beliefs with them. For example, he believed that human beings have free will and are responsible for their own actions. He also saw suffering as an inevitable aspect of existence, something that must be embraced rather than avoided.

Overall, Kierkegaard's philosophy stands out as a unique and highly individualistic approach to existentialism. His emphasis on personal experience, subjective truth, and religious devotion set him apart from his contemporaries and continue to make him a major figure in modern philosophy and theology.