Kierkegaard's Understanding of Socrates

Abstract

<p>What does Socrates represent to Kierkegaard? And what can account for this devout Christian's tpalpitating' enthusiasm and respect for a Pagan thinker? In this thesis I attempt to provide an explanation for this unexpected enthusiasm by clarifying the nature of Kierkegaard's understanding of Socrates.</p> <p>My thesis contains the following central claims. A) There are two distinct conceptions of Socrates in Kierkegaard's thought. Socrates is at times no more than a symbol of Idealism. But Kierkegaard also understood Socrates to be an historical figure in his own right. The tactual' Socrates, as Kierkegaard refers to him in The Concept of Irony, is an understanding of Socrates that develops throughout the course of Kierkegaard's work until Socrates emerges as an authority figure second only to Christ himself. B) This conception of an tactual' Socrates is only partially developed in The Concept of Irony and must be augmented by piecing together remarks scattered throughout Kierkegaard's work. C) The tactual' Socrates represents a transitional stage between a Humanist philosophy, represented by Idealism in particular, and Christianity. Essentially, the tactual' Socrates prepares one for the adoption of the Christian life as Kierkegaard understands it. D) Finally, I suggest that Kierkegaard sought to reproduce the effects of the tactual' Socrates in his literary project.</p>