The Place of Risk in Kierkegaard's Understanding of Commitment

Abstract

<p>This thesis is an attempt to analyze the relationship that exists between the concepts of risk and commitment in the philosophy of Søren Kierkegaard. Against the background of the "stage of existence", it seeks to illuminate Kierkegaard's understanging of the risks involved in moving from one stage of existence to another, and to show that risk is a necessary element in commitment as the latter concept is understood by Kierkegaard. The author after introducing Kierkegaard's thought concerning the stages of existence, proceeds to examine in detail the specific risks involved in moving by means of commitment to the ethical, relgious and Christian stages of existence. The thesis concludes with a discussion of the relevance for today's world of Kierkegaard's understanding of commitment.</p>