Right Action and Eternal Truth

“What good would it do me if truth stood before me, cold and naked, not caring if I recognized it or not?” This poignant question by Soren Kierkegaard invites us to contemplate the essence of truth and its relationship with human existence. As the "father of existentialism," Kierkegaard critiques the passionless nature of his contemporaries, who cling to abstract theories without recognizing the isolating nature of truths that lie outside the realm of lived experience. In this essay, we will explore Kierkegaard's philosophy on the significance of right action and eternal truth, emphasizing the necessity of subjective engagement with truth as a pathway to authentic existence.

The Dilemma of Objective Truth

Kierkegaard's critique of systemic theories of existence stems from his belief that they fail to account for the temporal quality of human life. He argues that while systems may offer a comprehensive picture of reality, they are fundamentally inadequate for individuals who experience life in a fragmented, non-linear manner. Kierkegaard states, “System and finality correspond to one another, but existence is precisely the opposite of finality.” This suggests that a totalized view of reality is only meaningful to God, who exists outside time. For the existing individual, however, such systematic truths are tautological and irrelevant.

In Kierkegaard’s view, the pursuit of objective truth leads to existential indifference. He asserts that “the way of objective reflection makes the subject accidental, and thereby transforms existence into something indifferent, something vanishing.” This highlights a critical distinction: objective truths are detached from the lived experiences of individuals and lack existential significance. The quest for truth, then, must shift from an objective to a subjective approach, as only through passionate engagement can truth be rendered meaningful.

The Path to Subjective Truth

Kierkegaard posits that “subjectivity is truth,” emphasizing the importance of personal commitment in the search for meaning. The subjective path involves a continuous striving toward truth, an active engagement with ideas that resonate with one’s individual experience. This process is not merely intellectual; it requires a passionate investment in the struggle for understanding and authenticity.

To illustrate Kierkegaard's perspective, consider the following table comparing objective and subjective approaches to truth:

This comparison underscores Kierkegaard’s assertion that truth must be approached through subjective engagement. The existing individual must actively seek truth through lived experiences and passionate commitment, rather than relying on abstract formulations that fail to resonate with personal existence.

The Role of Faith in Truth

Kierkegaard’s philosophy further emphasizes faith as a necessary condition for embracing truth. He argues that true knowledge is not an intellectual certainty but rather a commitment to a truth that remains paradoxical and uncertain. This perspective leads to his famous assertion that “truth is subjectivity.” The pursuit of truth, then, is not merely a cognitive endeavor; it involves a deep, existential struggle that must be embraced with faith.

Faith, in Kierkegaard’s framework, is an active process that entails wrestling with uncertainty and committing to beliefs that may not yield immediate clarity. This paradoxical nature of faith reflects the essence of Christian doctrine, which is rooted in the tension between the eternal and the temporal, the divine and the human. Kierkegaard’s characterization of true faith involves two critical paradoxes:

• The impossibility of objectively proving God’s existence while recognizing God’s presence in the world.
• The suffering of Jesus Christ, who embodies the tension between an eternal God and the lived experience of humanity.

Striving for Authentic Existence

Kierkegaard’s emphasis on authentic existence aligns with his belief that individuals must live their lives in continual striving toward eternal truth. Just as Jesus embodied the divine in human form, Kierkegaard argues that individuals must engage in a passionate pursuit of truth through their actions and choices. This engagement is not without struggle; it involves a lifelong commitment to navigating uncertainty and contradiction.

In one of his early letters, Kierkegaard expresses his desire to find a purposeful reason for existing, stating, “What I really need is to get clear about what I am to do, not what I must know, except insofar as knowledge must precede every act.” This statement encapsulates his rejection of objective truth as mere knowledge in favor of a truth that is personally meaningful and actionable. Kierkegaard's search for truth ultimately leads to the affirmation of existence as a continuous struggle to create meaning through action.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Kierkegaard's exploration of right action and eternal truth emphasizes the importance of subjective engagement in the pursuit of meaning. His critique of objective truth reveals the limitations of abstract knowledge, advocating instead for a passionate commitment to personal truths that resonate with individual existence. By embracing the paradoxical nature of faith and recognizing the significance of lived experience, individuals can navigate the complexities of life and strive toward authentic existence. Ultimately, Kierkegaard’s philosophy challenges us to engage deeply with our beliefs, transforming uncertainty into a meaningful journey of self-discovery.

References:

• Kierkegaard, S. (1992). Concluding Unscientific Postscript to the Philosophical Crumbs. Princeton University Press.
• Kierkegaard, S. (1980). Fear and Trembling. Princeton University Press.
• Kierkegaard, S. (1992). The Sickness Unto Death. Princeton University Press.