Summer Seminar for Princeton Students

Kierkegaard in Copenhagen

PHI / REL / HUM 367

May 22 to June 24, 2023

This seminar studies the life and work of Søren Kierkegaard (1813–1855), the father of existentialist philosophy and theology. Kierkegaard began his authorship with this well-known journal entry:

What I really need is to get clear about what I must do, not what I must know, except insofar as knowledge must precede every act. What matters is to find a purpose … to find a truth which is truth for me, to find the idea for which I am willing to live and die.

These words find echo throughout Kierkegaard's philosophical career, where the focus is always brought back to the question: what should I do? Kierkegaard found his purpose in fighting against all forms of intellectual imperialism, whether it came from the scientific establishment, or from entrenched forms of religious authoritarianism. We will see why Kierkegaard thought that such movements deny our humanity, and we will work out the alternative vision he presents to us. Following Kierkegaard's example, we will always return to questions about what the truth means for us and for how we should live our lives.

The seminar will be led by Prof Halvorson of the Philosophy Department. We will read several of Kierkegaard's writings, which are among the great masterpieces of western literature. There will be directed discussions, both about these readings, and about their connections with contemporary issues. Finally, the seminar will offer extensive training in the art of philosophical writing, of which Kierkegaard was one of the great masters.

This program will take place in Copenhagen, Kierkegaard's beloved home city.

If you have any questions, please email Prof Halvorson (hhalvors@) or Olga Liamkina (olga.liamkina@).

Submit your application here