Soren Kierkegaard
Søren Kierkegaard was a Danish philosopher, theologian, poet, social critic, and religious author who is widely considered to be the first existentialist philosopher. His work primarily deals with the issues of how one lives as a 'single individual,' giving priority to concrete human reality over abstract thinking and highlighting the importance of personal choice and commitment.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
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1. The Concept Of Anxiety
A Simple Psychologically Orienting Deliberation on the Dogmatic Issue of Hereditary Sin
The book explores the psychological and philosophical dimensions of anxiety, examining it as a fundamental aspect of human existence. It delves into the concept of anxiety as a precursor to sin and a necessary condition for the development of self-awareness and personal freedom. Through a complex analysis, it distinguishes between different types of anxiety and their implications for individual growth and ethical responsibility. The work ultimately presents anxiety as both a paralyzing force and a catalyst for personal transformation, emphasizing its role in the journey towards authentic selfhood and spiritual awakening.
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2. Either Or
A Fragment of Life
"Either Or" is a philosophical work that explores the concept of existentialism through the lens of two contrasting life views: the aesthetic and the ethical. The aesthetic life is characterized by immediate pleasure and enjoyment, while the ethical life is defined by moral duty and responsibility. The book presents these two perspectives through the fictional letters of two characters, ultimately arguing for the superiority of the ethical life. However, it also suggests that a truly fulfilled life must find a balance between the two.
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3. The Sickness Unto Death
A Christian Psychological Exposition for Upbuilding and Awakening
This philosophical work explores the concept of despair, which the author sees as a spiritual condition linked to the Christian concept of sin. The author delves into the human struggle to reconcile the self with the ideal self, a process he argues is only possible through a relationship with God. The book also discusses existential dread, self-awareness, and the nature of the human soul, offering a complex and thought-provoking examination of the human condition.
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4. Fear and Trembling
Dialectical Lyric by Johannes de Silentio
"Fear and Trembling" is a philosophical work that explores the concept of faith, drawing upon the biblical story of Abraham and his willingness to sacrifice his son Isaac. The author uses this story to delve into the paradox of faith, arguing that true faith requires a willingness to make personal sacrifices that may seem absurd or irrational to others. The book challenges conventional notions of morality and ethics, suggesting that faith may sometimes require actions that go beyond the bounds of societal norms.
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5. The Living Thoughts Of Kierkegaard
presented by W.H. Auden
"The Living Thoughts of Kierkegaard" presents a curated selection of the philosophical ideas of the renowned Danish philosopher, focusing on his concepts of individuality, existentialism, and the human condition. The book distills Kierkegaard's thoughts on how individuals must confront their own subjective realities and the existential choices that define their lives. Through a series of reflections and analyses, it explores themes of anxiety, faith, and morality, encouraging readers to reflect deeply on their personal existence and the philosophical underpinnings that influence their daily decisions and beliefs.
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6. Diary Of A Seducer
The Seducer's Diary
The book in question is a philosophical exploration presented as a narrative, where the protagonist meticulously documents his strategic pursuit of a young woman, aiming to seduce her not for mere physical gratification but as an existential game. Through his diary entries, the reader is exposed to his manipulative tactics and psychological insights, as he orchestrates the seduction to affirm his own power and intellect. The work delves into themes of desire, despair, and the complex nature of human relationships, all while questioning the ethical implications of such a pursuit and offering a critique of the aesthetic lifestyle.
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7. Fear And Trembling And The Sickness Unto Death
A Kierkegaard Anthology
This philosophical work delves into the complexities of faith, anxiety, and the human condition, exploring the tension between the ethical and the religious through the lens of biblical narratives and existential thought. It examines the concept of the "leap of faith," where true belief transcends rationality and ethics, and highlights the struggle of the individual to find meaning in a world filled with despair and doubt. Through a profound analysis of personal anguish and spiritual awakening, it challenges readers to confront the depths of their own existence and the paradoxes inherent in the pursuit of authentic faith.
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8. Concluding Unscientific Postscript To Philosophical Fragments, Volume 1
A Mimical-Pathetical-Dialectical Compilation: An Existential Contribution
This philosophical work delves into the complexities of existential thought, exploring the tension between objective reasoning and subjective experience in the pursuit of truth. It challenges the reader to consider the limitations of rationality in understanding faith and the divine, emphasizing the importance of personal commitment and inward reflection. Through a series of dialectical arguments, the text critiques the prevailing philosophical norms of its time, advocating for a more individualistic approach to spirituality and the essence of being.
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9. The Present Age
On the Death of Rebellion
The book explores the characteristics and challenges of the modern era, emphasizing how the present age is marked by reflection and a lack of passion compared to previous eras of action and commitment. It critiques the pervasive sense of apathy and the dominance of public opinion, which stifles individuality and authentic personal engagement. The author argues that this reflective age leads to a form of existential paralysis, where individuals become spectators rather than active participants in their own lives, resulting in a society that values conformity over genuine personal expression and responsibility.
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10. Attack Upon Christendom
In this incisive critique, the author challenges the complacency and institutionalization of Christianity within society, arguing that the true essence of the faith has been diluted by its entanglement with worldly power and cultural norms. Through a series of poignant reflections, the work calls for a return to the radical and transformative teachings of Christ, urging believers to embrace a more authentic and personal relationship with their faith, free from the constraints of societal expectations and superficial practices.
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11. Journals And Papers
This collection offers a profound glimpse into the inner workings of a philosopher's mind, capturing the essence of existential thought and personal introspection. Through a series of reflective entries, the author navigates themes of faith, individuality, and the human condition, revealing the tension between personal belief and societal norms. The writings serve as a testament to the struggle for authenticity and the pursuit of truth, providing readers with an intimate look at the philosophical and theological musings that shaped the author's life and work.
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12. Repetition And Philosophical Crumbs
A Venture in Experimenting Psychology
This philosophical work delves into the existential themes of repetition and the nature of faith, exploring the tension between the finite and the infinite. Through a narrative that intertwines personal reflection with philosophical inquiry, the text examines the concept of repetition as a means of achieving spiritual renewal and understanding. It contrasts this with the idea of "philosophical crumbs," which symbolize the fragmented and incomplete nature of human knowledge. The work challenges readers to consider the role of faith in bridging the gap between human limitations and the divine, ultimately questioning the possibility of true repetition in life.
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13. The Essential Kierkegaard
This comprehensive anthology delves into the profound and multifaceted philosophy of a seminal thinker, offering a curated selection of his most influential works. The collection spans a wide array of themes, including existentialism, faith, individuality, and the human condition, capturing the essence of his thought-provoking ideas. Through a blend of essays, reflections, and aphorisms, readers are invited to explore the intricate relationship between self and society, the tension between reason and faith, and the pursuit of authentic existence. This compilation serves as an accessible gateway into the mind of a philosopher who continues to challenge and inspire.
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14. Požiūrio Taškas į Mano Autorinę Veiklą
This philosophical work delves into the intricacies of personal authorship and the existential journey of self-discovery. Through a series of reflective essays, the author explores the tension between individuality and societal expectations, emphasizing the importance of embracing one's unique perspective. The narrative is a profound meditation on the challenges of maintaining authenticity in a world that often demands conformity, encouraging readers to engage deeply with their own creative processes and the meaning of their contributions to the world.
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15. Övning I Kristendom
This philosophical work delves into the essence of true Christian faith, challenging the reader to move beyond mere doctrinal understanding and embrace a deeply personal and transformative relationship with Christ. Through a series of reflections, it emphasizes the importance of living authentically in accordance with Christian teachings, urging individuals to confront the paradoxes and difficulties inherent in genuine faith. The text serves as both a critique of institutionalized religion and a call to action for believers to embody the teachings of Jesus in their everyday lives, fostering a sincere and passionate commitment to spiritual growth.
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16. Sören Kierkegaards Dagbok
This introspective work offers a profound glimpse into the mind of a pioneering existential philosopher, capturing the essence of his thoughts, struggles, and reflections on faith, love, and the human condition. Through a series of personal entries, the author delves into the complexities of existence, exploring themes of individuality, despair, and the pursuit of authenticity. The diary serves as both a philosophical exploration and a deeply personal narrative, revealing the inner workings of a thinker grappling with the tensions between the temporal and the eternal.
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17. Stadier På Livets Väg
Studies by Various Persons
This philosophical work delves into the complexities of human existence by exploring the various stages of life, each characterized by distinct perspectives and existential challenges. Through a series of essays and dialogues, the narrative examines the aesthetic, ethical, and religious dimensions of life, highlighting the individual's journey towards self-discovery and authentic living. The text intricately weaves together themes of love, choice, and faith, inviting readers to reflect on the profound questions of meaning and purpose that define the human experience.
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18. Filosofiska Smulor
En philosophisk Smule
This philosophical work delves into the nature of truth and the individual's relationship with it, exploring the concept of subjective truth as opposed to objective knowledge. It presents a dialogue between a fictional philosopher and his interlocutor, examining the paradox of faith and the leap required to embrace religious belief. Through a series of thought experiments, it challenges readers to consider the limitations of human understanding and the existential choices that define one's existence, ultimately emphasizing the importance of personal commitment and the transformative power of faith.
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19. Avslutande Ovetenskaplig Efterskrift 2
En afsluttende uvidenskabelig efterskrift til de philosophiske smuler
In this profound philosophical work, the author delves into the complexities of subjective truth and the nature of faith, challenging the reader to explore the tension between objective knowledge and personal belief. Through a series of dialectical arguments, the text examines the limitations of rationality and the necessity of embracing paradoxes to truly understand the human experience. The narrative is rich with existential themes, urging individuals to confront the inherent uncertainties of life and to find meaning through personal commitment and passion.
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20. Upprepningen
An Essay in Experimental Psychology
This philosophical work explores the concept of repetition as a central theme in understanding human existence and personal development. Through a narrative that intertwines the experiences of a young man and a reflective philosopher, the book delves into the tension between the desire for new experiences and the comfort of the familiar. It examines how repetition can be both a source of despair and a path to spiritual renewal, ultimately questioning the nature of freedom, identity, and the pursuit of meaning in life.
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21. Avslutande Ovetenskaplig Efterskrift 1
Til de philosophiske Smuler
This philosophical work delves into the complexities of subjective truth and the nature of individual existence, challenging the reader to explore the depths of personal faith and understanding. Through a series of dialectical discussions, it examines the tension between objective knowledge and subjective experience, ultimately advocating for a leap of faith as a means to achieve authentic self-realization. The narrative is rich with existential themes, encouraging introspection and a deeper appreciation for the nuances of human consciousness and the pursuit of meaning.
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22. Papers And Journals
A Selection
A curated selection of private journals and notes offers an intimate portrait of a mind wrestling with faith, subjectivity, and the task of becoming an authentic self. Through aphorisms, reflections, and polemics, it probes anxiety, despair, inwardness, and the single individual before God, challenges complacent Christendom and the press, and intertwines personal entries on love, vocation, and suffering with meditations on indirect communication and authorship—the workshop where enduring existential ideas were forged.
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23. Migajas Filosóficas O Un Poco De Filosofía
eller En Smule Philosophi
A probing meditation on how an individual comes to the truth, contrasting Socratic recollection with the paradoxical “moment” when the eternal enters time and demands a decisive leap of faith. Through the figures of the Teacher and the learner, it examines guilt, the possibility of offense at the God-man, and the limits of historical and rational knowledge. Ultimately it argues that truth is inwardly appropriated through passion and commitment rather than attained by speculative reasoning.
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24. Apuntes Sobre La Filosofía De La Revelación De F. W. J. Schelling
A set of carefully kept notes from Berlin lectures on a “positive” philosophy of revelation, showing how divine self-disclosure answers the limits of purely rational, “negative” metaphysics. The record sketches themes of freedom, evil, mythology, and history, blending faithful reportage with pointed critique that questions coherence and novelty, and foregrounds the tension between speculative system-building and lived faith—anticipating an existential focus on subjectivity, decision, and the leap beyond reason.
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25. Fear And Trembling/Repetition
A Dialectical Lyric; A Psychological Exposition in the Form of a Diary
A compact, existential meditation that contrasts two complementary inquiries: one into the paradox of absolute faith exemplified by a father’s willingness to sacrifice his son, and the other into the possibility of reclaiming life through repetition and inward renewal. The work probes how the individual relates subjectively to the absolute, arguing that true faith can require a paradoxical suspension of universal ethical norms and a passionate leap beyond reason, while repetition offers a way to restore meaning through personal transformation rather than mere recurrence. Themes of anguish, irony, individuality, and the limits of systematic thought run through the pieces as they examine what it means to become a true self in the face of uncertainty.
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26. Ironie
with continual reference to Socrates
This work analyzes the nature and function of irony, tracing its development from Socratic irony to modern romantic irony and showing how ironic detachment can both illuminate and destabilize the self. It treats Socratic irony as a pedagogical, truth-seeking device that exposes pretension and provokes self-examination, contrasts this with Romantic irony’s aesthetic skepticism and endless negation, and argues that prolonged ironic distance risks ethical paralysis or existential alienation if not followed by commitment. Using historical examples and philosophical reflection, the text highlights irony’s double-edged power to liberate thought while undermining the possibility of authentic, responsible existence.
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27. Philosophical Fragments/Johannes Climacus
Framed as a reflective teacher’s inquiry into how one attains genuine religious truth, this work contrasts Socratic, objective modes of knowing with the paradoxical, subjective nature of faith, arguing that Christianity cannot be grasped by historical proof or mere rational demonstration but must be appropriated by a single individual through an existential leap into the decisive ‘moment’ of relation to the God‑man; using irony, dialectical argument, and careful analysis of revelation and resurrection, it explores how truth becomes inwardness and how the impossible task of becoming a Christian exposes faith’s demand for a passionate, non‑demonstrable commitment.
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28. Tagebuch Des Verführers
A diary-form narrative following an artful seducer who treats romance as an aesthetic exercise, meticulously plotting and manipulating a young woman's emotions to stage a triumph of technique. Through detailed entries and reflections the account exposes the seducer’s psychological sophistication, self-deception, and the moral emptiness beneath his conquests, contrasting an aesthetic life of calculated pleasure with the ethical demands of responsibility and authentic love. Functioning as both a study of manipulation and a broader critique of aestheticism, it reveals the harm done when people are treated as objects and prompts reflection on choice, consequence, and the nature of inwardness.
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