Kierkegaard and Climate Catastrophe: Learning to Live on a Damaged Planet

Søren Kierkegaard's work is filled with images of disasters, which play an important role in his analysis of human existence. Isak Winkel Holm argues that the prophetic noir in Kierkegaard, modeled after the prophetic books of the Hebrew Bible, contributes to making his works urgently relevant today. A thorough analysis of the prophetic noir offers an existential perspective on living in a world threatened by environmental devastation.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 08 December 2022
Publisher: Oxford University Press

Søren Kierkegaard's work is a rich tapestry of images that evoke the awe-inspiring power of natural disasters. From earthquakes that shake the earth to floods that inundate lands, storms that unleash their fury, volcanic eruptions that spew molten lava, wildfires that consume everything in their path, and cities that are burned down to ashes, Kierkegaard presents a vivid portrayal of the catastrophic events that can upheave the very fabric of existence. These disaster images are not mere rhetorical embellishments or mere packaging of his philosophical and theological ideas. Rather, they play a crucial yet largely understudied role in Kierkegaard's analysis of human existence.

In his book "Kierkegaard and Climate Catastrophe," Isak Winkel Holm delves into the realm of prophetic noir in Kierkegaard's work. Prophetic noir refers to the somber mood that is evoked when the shadow of future disaster falls upon the present. Holm argues that this prophetic noir, modeled after the prophetic books of the Hebrew Bible, contributes to making Kierkegaard's works urgently relevant to our contemporary world, which is grappling with rapidly evolving climate catastrophes.

From the vantage point of the contemporary world, threatened by the imminent threat of environmental devastation, Kierkegaard's analysis of human existence takes on a more somber hue. The future disaster casts a shadow over our lives, dimming the light of hope and possibility. Yet, even in the face of this darkness, Kierkegaard's vision of a meaningful human life remains unwavering. To exist, in the emphatic sense that Kierkegaard assigns to that word, is to live a life that is rich in purpose and meaning, even as the world around us is darkened by the coming calamity.

A thorough exploration of the prophetic noir in Kierkegaard offers an existential perspective on living in a world that is constantly threatened by environmental destruction. It prompts us to reflect on the fragility of human existence and the importance of finding meaning and purpose in the face of adversity. Kierkegaard's writings remind us that our lives are intertwined with the natural world, and that our actions can have profound consequences for both ourselves and future generations.

In conclusion, Søren Kierkegaard's work is a testament to the power of nature and the resilience of the human spirit. Through his vivid portrayal of natural disasters, he invites us to contemplate the nature of human existence and the urgent need to address the challenges posed by climate change. By delving into the realm of prophetic noir, Holm provides a valuable lens through which we can understand Kierkegaard's works and their relevance to our contemporary world. As we navigate the uncertain waters of a rapidly evolving climate, Kierkegaard's words offer us a beacon of hope and inspiration, reminding us that even in the darkest of times, there is always the possibility of a meaningful human life.

Weight: 524g
Dimension: 24 x 163 x 180 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780192862518