Kierkegaard and Possibility

Our conception of possibility contributes to our understanding of self and world by linking imagination, anxiety, despair, and faith to the idea that "God is that all things are possible." Kierkegaard offers a novel reading of the possible that influences 20th-century philosophers such as Heidegger, Deleuze, and Derrida, emphasizing the contingency and fragility of systems and identities and the need for a new way of relating to the possible.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 24 August 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

The concept of possibility holds a profound significance in our understanding of self and world. In what ways does the realm of possibility differ from mere probability, and what implications does treating possibility as an integral part of reality have? This book presents an opportunity to explore Kierkegaard's contributions to a distinctive phenomenology, ontology, and psychology of possibility, addressing the central question of our existential relationship to the possible.

The term "possibility" (Mulighed) and its variations emerge with remarkable frequency throughout Kierkegaard's writings. At the core of Kierkegaard's understanding of the self, possibility is intricately linked to a range of fundamental concepts that permeate his works. These concepts include imagination, anxiety, despair, and the notion expressed in The Sickness Unto Death that "God is that all things are possible." In response to what he perceives as a Hegelian and Aristotelian misreading of possibility, Kierkegaard offers a novel interpretation of the possible that exerts a profound influence on 20th-century philosophers such as Heidegger, Deleuze, and Derrida.

Kierkegaard provides a comprehensive account of how anxiety and despair, as lived experiences of possibility, not only expose the contingency and fragility of the systems and identities we currently inhabit but also unveil a more profound contingency that necessitates a new way of relating to the possible. For Kierkegaard, hope, faith, and love are attitudes that shape meaning by embracing the inherent uncertainty of existence. In a time characterized by political, social, and environmental uncertainty, Kierkegaard's exploration of radical possibility takes on renewed relevance.

Through his writings, Kierkegaard invites us to contemplate the inherent paradoxes and complexities of the human condition. He challenges us to explore the depths of our own subjectivity and the boundaries of our understanding. By delving into the realm of possibility, we are invited to reevaluate our assumptions, question our beliefs, and embrace the inherent ambiguity of life.

In conclusion, Kierkegaard's work on possibility offers a rich and multifaceted perspective on the human experience. It invites us to reimagine our relationship to the world, to embrace the inherent uncertainty of existence, and to find meaning in the face of ambiguity. By exploring the depths of possibility, we can deepen our understanding of self and world and contribute to a more inclusive and compassionate society.

Weight: 550g
Dimension: 163 x 242 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350298989