Nature of Human Existence in Kierkegaard’s Ethical Philosophy: A Step towards Self-Valuation and Transformation in Our Contemporary World
Valentine Ehichioya Obinyan
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 1, February 2014
Pages:
1-14
Received:
7 February 2014
Accepted:
8 April 2014
Published:
10 April 2014
Abstract: Man as an existent in the world, is an individual substance of a rational nature hence in his becomingness, his unique self-conscious actions are imperatives of what he becomes. Thus to take subjectivity from human nature and reduce it to abstract objectivity and systemization as Hegel did, is to relegate to a background the importance, uniqueness and individuality of the human person as a being in the world. Kierkegaard refutes Hegel’s objectivity with subjectivity and its analysis and relevance to understanding the nature of human existence for the singular purpose of self-valuation and transformation in our contemporary world, is the onus of this study. However, certain questions abound; what is subjectivity and human existence in Kierkegaard ethical philosophy? What life experiences influenced such understanding? To what extent does this enhance human understanding of existence? What implications does this propose in the scope of existentialism and ethics of human actions in our world today? With the critical analysis and hermeneutics method, the research examines Kierkegaard philosophy and concludes with the affirmation that to overcome the existential challenges of our contemporary world, man must constantly exclude himself from the crowd, engage in self-examination and value oriented commitment to purposeful living.
Abstract: Man as an existent in the world, is an individual substance of a rational nature hence in his becomingness, his unique self-conscious actions are imperatives of what he becomes. Thus to take subjectivity from human nature and reduce it to abstract objectivity and systemization as Hegel did, is to relegate to a background the importance, uniqueness ...
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Is there Still a Role for Rationality in Human Affairs
Samiul Parvez Ahmed,
Mohammed Tanvir Zubair Ahmed
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 1, February 2014
Pages:
15-20
Received:
26 March 2014
Accepted:
9 April 2014
Published:
20 April 2014
Abstract: In social science, the wider epistemological debates regarding polarizing perspectives of rationality (explanation through deterministic approach) and interpretive understanding (understanding through non-physical human mind) in explaining or making sense of lifeworld or social system have been critically examined in this paper. In doing so, this article explores Habermas’s Theory of Communicative Action (rationality in socially depended situation) and psychological (strategic action) Game Theory (a deterministic model for rational choice) and, hence, identifies an intriguing link between instrumental/mechanistic and non-instrumental issues regarding rationality concept
Abstract: In social science, the wider epistemological debates regarding polarizing perspectives of rationality (explanation through deterministic approach) and interpretive understanding (understanding through non-physical human mind) in explaining or making sense of lifeworld or social system have been critically examined in this paper. In doing so, this a...
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