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4. What was Kierkegaard's opinion on the role of individuality in society?

Landyn Manuaud

Well, I'm not sure if my understanding of Kierkegaard's philosophy is accurate, but from what I've gathered, he believed that the individual was paramount to society. Kierkegaard was an existentialist who rejected the idea that there is one Absolute Truth or morality that applies to everyone. Instead, he emphasized the importance of personal subjectivity and individual choice in defining our own existence.

For Kierkegaard, societal norms and expectations could often be oppressive and limit individuality. He believed that individuals must constantly struggle against conformity to remain true to themselves, and that this struggle was essential to becoming a fully realized person. He even went so far as to say that the individual should defy society if necessary to uphold their own values and sense of self.

Interestingly, Kierkegaard also conceived of the individual as existing in a constant state of tension between their inner self and the external world. He believed that this tension was necessary for growth and the achievement of personal authenticity. Without this tension, the individual would become complacent and stagnant, and would be unable to progress on their personal journey.

Overall, Kierkegaard's philosophy seems to suggest that the role of individuality in society is to resist conformity and strive towards personal authenticity. He believed that true fulfillment and personal growth could only be achieved by embracing our unique selves and refusing to be controlled by external forces. While his ideas may seem extreme or impractical to some, they offer an interesting and thought-provoking perspective on what it means to be an individual in a society that often values conformity over difference.