Kierkegaard said faith is the acceptance of objective uncertainty

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SUMMARY

Kierkegaard defines faith as "the acceptance of objective uncertainty," emphasizing that certainty in beliefs is unattainable and necessitates a 'leap of faith' to confront irrational aspects. He distinguishes between ordinary beliefs, such as the existence of one's car, and religious beliefs, which require embracing the absurd. Atheism is categorized as a lack of belief and does not qualify as faith, aligning with Kierkegaard's concept of the 'aesthetic stage' of existence.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Kierkegaard's philosophy
  • Familiarity with the concept of 'leap of faith'
  • Knowledge of the distinction between faith and belief
  • Awareness of the 'aesthetic stage' in Kierkegaard's thought
NEXT STEPS
  • Research Kierkegaard's "Fear and Trembling" for deeper insights on faith
  • Explore the philosophical implications of the 'leap of faith'
  • Examine the differences between faith, belief, and atheism in existential philosophy
  • Investigate the concept of the 'aesthetic stage' in Kierkegaard's works
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Philosophy students, theologians, and anyone interested in existentialism and the nature of faith and belief.

jamesb-uk
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Kierkegaard said faith is "the acceptance of objective uncertainty"

I have 2 questions about Kierkegaard:
1.Kierkegaard said faith is "the acceptance of objective uncertainty", his point being that we cannot be certain about the validity of our beliefs, and there will always be a 'leap of faith' to overcome the irrational aspects of the belief, which cannot be logically justified.
This definition appears quite vague. How does he distinguish between the belief that, say, 'My car is on the drive', and religious beliefs? Would he class atheism as a 'faith'?

2.Does Kierkegaard distinguish between faith and belief, and if so, how?
 
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jamesb-uk said:
I have 2 questions about Kierkegaard:
1.Kierkegaard said faith is "the acceptance of objective uncertainty", his point being that we cannot be certain about the validity of our beliefs, and there will always be a 'leap of faith' to overcome the irrational aspects of the belief, which cannot be logically justified.
This definition appears quite vague. How does he distinguish between the belief that, say, 'My car is on the drive', and religious beliefs? Would he class atheism as a 'faith'?

K goes beyond simple belief with regards to his discussions on faith. I could honestly and wholeheartedly believe that my car was on the road, in the shop, or in Peru. However, it requires faith, to believe that my car is a mouse named Bill. Saying my car is a mouse named Bill, is absurd. And that is the kind of belief he is talking about, belief in the absurd, because it is absurd. That is the leap of faith.

Atheism is a lack of belief, so no, its not faith, it would be part of K's 'aesthetic stage'.
 


JoeDawg said:
K goes beyond simple belief with regards to his discussions on faith. I could honestly and wholeheartedly believe that my car was on the road, in the shop, or in Peru. However, it requires faith, to believe that my car is a mouse named Bill. Saying my car is a mouse named Bill, is absurd. And that is the kind of belief he is talking about, belief in the absurd, because it is absurd. That is the leap of faith.

Atheism is a lack of belief, so no, its not faith, it would be part of K's 'aesthetic stage'.

Thanks, I understand it better now.
 

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