Kierkegaard said faith is the acceptance of objective uncertainty

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Kierkegaard defines faith as "the acceptance of objective uncertainty," emphasizing that true faith requires a leap beyond rational justification. He distinguishes between ordinary beliefs, like the existence of one's car, and religious beliefs, which often involve accepting the absurd. This leap of faith is necessary for beliefs that cannot be logically substantiated. Atheism is categorized as a lack of belief rather than faith, aligning with Kierkegaard's concept of the 'aesthetic stage.' Overall, Kierkegaard's exploration of faith challenges the boundaries of rationality in belief systems.
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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