Ethical Silence: Kierkegaard on Communication, Education, and Humility

Sergia Hay argues that silence is an essential element of Kierkegaard's Christian ethics, contributing to the fulfillment of ethical imperatives by halting chatter, setting the "fundamental tone" for ethical activity, curbing excessive self-love, and providing another mode for educating and expressing love. It can also be used to humble the self and elevate the neighbor, creating conditions of Christian equality.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 126 pages
Publication date: 15 May 2022
Publisher: Lexington Books

Ethical Silence: Kierkegaard on Communication, Education, and Humility delves into a fresh dimension of Kierkegaard scholarship, exploring the ethical significance of silence. Sergia Hay, in her exegesis of Kierkegaard's later writings, particularly his works attributed to his second authorship, argues that silence holds a vital place in his Christian ethics. Hay begins by providing an overview of Kierkegaard's ideas regarding ethics and communication, laying the foundation for her argument that silence is essential to a Kierkegaardian understanding of ethics.

Through a meticulous examination of Kierkegaard's writings, Hay establishes a compelling case for the notion of ethical silence. She demonstrates how silence plays a crucial role in fulfilling ethical imperatives by silencing chatter, establishing the fundamental tone for ethical activity, curbing excessive self-love, and offering an alternative mode for educating and expressing love.

Perhaps most importantly, silence enables the individual to humble themselves and elevate their neighbor, fostering conditions of Christian equality. Ethical silence is not synonymous with the silence of the ineffable or what cannot be spoken. Instead, it pertains to the silence of what can be said but should not.

In conclusion, Ethical Silence: Kierkegaard on Communication, Education, and Humility offers a profound exploration of the ethical value of silence, shedding light on its role in fulfilling ethical imperatives, promoting humility, and fostering Christian equality. Through meticulous scholarship and thoughtful analysis, Hay provides a valuable contribution to Kierkegaard studies, expanding our understanding of his ethical philosophy and its relevance to contemporary discourse.

Weight: 200g
Dimension: 220 x 155 x 10 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781793614506