Fear and Trembling

Length: 95 pages

Published: 1843-10-16

From: Denmark

By: Søren Kierkegaard

Subjects: Existentialism, Philosophy of Religion

isbn: 978-0140444490

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About

Fear and Trembling is a philosophical work written by Søren Kierkegaard in 1843. This book explores the theme of faith and the nature of the ethical and the religious life. It is known for its profound analysis of the story of Abraham and his willingness to sacrifice his son Isaac, as described in the Bible. In Fear and Trembling, Kierkegaard presents four different interpretations of the biblical story of Abraham. He delves into the moral and ethical implications of Abraham's actions, questioning whether the religious sphere is beyond the ethical sphere. Kierkegaard examines the concept of faith and argues that true faith involves a leap beyond reason and the suspension of the ethical. The book also explores the tension between the individual and society, emphasizing the importance of individual choice and personal responsibility in the face of social norms and conventions. Kierkegaard's writing style is highly introspective and poetic, often presenting paradoxical and existential ideas. Fear and Trembling is renowned for its existentialist themes, raising questions about the nature of existence, the meaning of life, and the paradoxes inherent in human existence. Kierkegaard challenges conventional wisdom and invites readers to confront the complexities of faith and the inherent struggles of the human condition.