Trembling in fear and ecstasy

Kierkegaard’s leap of faith as a source of the sublime

Authors

  • Alexander Velichkov University of Amsterdam

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59391/inscriptions.v2i2.40

Keywords:

leap of faith, Kierkegaard, sublime, Longinus, esthetics

Abstract

This essay investigates how Søren Kierkegaard’s leap of faith can be viewed as a sublime esthetic experience along the lines of the theories of Longinus and Edmund Burke. In Kierkegaard leaps of faith incorporate feelings of terror and passion. Grounded in notions of eternity and truth, they create occasions for particular kinds of sublime experiences. To Kierkegaard the leap of faith is the step by which one grows into one’s authentic self. This essay suggests that the leap of faith is significant also because of its intrinsic esthetic value.

Author Biography

Alexander Velichkov, University of Amsterdam

After obtaining a master’s degree in philosophy cum laude from the University of Amsterdam, Alexander Velichkov is currently continuing with a research master’s in philosophy at the same university. He holds a summa cum laude bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts & Sciences from Amsterdam University College, where his thesis “Enter Machine: Beyond Human Ethics” was marked with distinction. His academic interests include the ethics of well-being, moral responsibility, and digital technology, but he also ventures into esthetics and existentialism. 

References

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Published

2019-07-01