The Order You Should Read Kierkegaard's Books In

Søren Kierkegaard, the renowned Danish philosopher and theologian, has made substantial contributions to existentialism, Christian philosophy, and the philosophy of religion. His works explore various themes such as individuality, faith, despair, and the nature of existence.

However, approaching Kierkegaard's vast body of work can be overwhelming, especially for readers new to his philosophy. Given the wide range of topics addressed and the diverse approaches employed, a logical reading order can help to provide a more coherent understanding of Kierkegaard's thought.

Preliminary Considerations

Before diving into the suggested reading order, it is important to keep in mind a few points. First, Kierkegaard's writing style is often dense and complex. Therefore, approaching his works requires patience and careful reading. Second, while chronological reading is a valid approach, it may not be the most helpful for gaining a comprehensive understanding of Kierkegaard's ideas. Instead, a thematic approach can provide a more coherent picture of his philosophy.

Stage One: The Aesthetic Stage

Kierkegaard's philosophy is often divided into three stages of existence: the Aesthetic, the Ethical, and the Religious. The Aesthetic stage focuses on the pursuit of pleasure, beauty, and sensory experiences without concern for moral considerations or long-term commitments.

To familiarize oneself with the Aesthetic stage, two key works should be explored:

1. Either/Or (1843): This book, written under different pseudonyms, presents two distinct perspectives on life by contrasting the aesthetic and ethical stages. It delves into the pursuit of pleasure, love, and aesthetics while critiquing the superficiality of the Aesthetic lifestyle. The first part, containing the aesthetic writings of the pseudonym "A," helps to establish a foundation for understanding the subsequent stages.
2. Fear and Trembling (1843): Despite being listed under the Religious stage, Fear and Trembling explores the story of Abraham's sacrifice, highlighting the ethical dilemmas and paradoxes of faith. This work allows readers to grasp the tension between the aesthetic and ethical stages and introduces key religious concepts central to Kierkegaard's thought.

Stage Two: The Ethical Stage

The Ethical stage represents a transition from the pursuit of individual pleasure toward more responsible and morally grounded actions. To delve into this stage, these two works are fundamental:

1. Repetition (1843): This short, underrated work, authored by Constantine Constantius, explores the concept of repetition and the challenge of a morally responsible life. Through a fictional narrative, Kierkegaard reflects on the struggle to overcome the aesthetic stage's pitfalls and embrace ethical commitments.
2. Either/Or (1843): Revisited in the context of the Ethical stage, the second part of Either/Or (authored by the pseudonym "B") presents ethical reflections on marriage, duty, and moral responsibility. By examining the limitations of the aesthetic perspective, Kierkegaard encourages readers to embrace ethical choices grounded in reason and commitment.

Stage Three: The Religious Stage

The Religious stage represents the highest stage of existence, surpassing the ethical considerations and embracing questions of faith and the divine. Kierkegaard's religious works often explore the nature of religious faith and the challenges it poses to reason. To navigate this stage, the following works are essential:

1. Works of Love (1847): In this profound reflection on Christian love, Kierkegaard investigates the intersection between ethics and religion. He explores the nature of love, the importance of neighborly love, and the relationship between divine love and human love.
2. Concluding Unscientific Postscript to Philosophical Fragments (1846): A complex and highly influential work, this book, written under the pseudonym Johannes Climacus, explores the nature of truth, the role of subjectivity in religious belief, and the paradoxical nature of Christian faith. It challenges readers to reassess their understanding of religious truth and the limitations of philosophical systems.

Conclusion

While the aforementioned reading order is not exhaustive, it provides a logical progression through Kierkegaard's major works, enabling readers to grasp the themes and ideas that underpin his philosophy. It is advisable to consult secondary literature and critical commentaries to facilitate a deeper understanding of Kierkegaard's thought.

Approaching Kierkegaard's works may appear daunting at first, but the journey through his writings offers profound insights into the complexities of human existence, morality, and religious faith.

References

• Kierkegaard, Søren. Either/Or. Edited and translated by Howard V. Hong and Edna H. Hong. Princeton University Press, 1987.
• Kierkegaard, Søren. Fear and Trembling. Edited and translated by Howard V. Hong and Edna H. Hong. Princeton University Press, 1983.
• Kierkegaard, Søren. Repetition. Edited and translated by Howard V. Hong and Edna H. Hong. Princeton University Press, 1983.
• Kierkegaard, Søren. Works of Love. Edited and translated by Howard V. Hong and Edna H. Hong. Harper Perennial Modern Thought, 2009.
• Kierkegaard, Søren. Concluding Unscientific Postscript to Philosophical Fragments. Edited and translated by Howard V. Hong and Edna H. Hong. Princeton University Press, 1992.