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Fear and Trembling

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'Fear and Trembling' by Søren Kierkegaard is a philosophical exploration of the Biblical story of Abraham and the Akedah. The book delves into the ethical and moral conundrum at the heart of Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son in the name of faith. Kierkegaard challenges the optimistic premises of Hegelianism and explores the themes of faith, ethics, paradox, and the absurd through the lens of this iconic Biblical tale. The writing style is described as thought-provoking, challenging, and engaging, with Kierkegaard using pseudonyms and multiple perspectives to present different interpretations of the story.

Writing/Prose:

The writing mixes philosophy with poetry, featuring dense and complex language that invites deep contemplation.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative centers on Abraham's test of faith regarding his son Isaac, exploring the ethical dilemmas and deep faith involved in this biblical tale.

Setting:

The setting encompasses both the biblical narrative of Moriah and the broader context of 19th-century philosophical thought.

Pacing:

The book's pacing is slow and reflective, allowing for thorough exploration of complex themes.
The ethical as such is the universal, and as the universal it applies to everyone, which from another angle means that it applies at all times. It rests immanent in itself, has nothing outside itself ...

Notes:

Kierkegaard's character, Johannes de Silentio, explores the paradox of faith, especially through Abraham's story.
The book delves into the idea that faith often defies ethics and conventional morality.
Kierkegaard emphasizes that true faith requires an individual struggle with God and cannot be reliant on external validation.
He distinguishes between a 'knight of faith' and a 'tragic hero,' highlighting their different relationships with morality and faith.
The concept of 'teleological suspension of the ethical' is presented, suggesting that faith may lead to moral actions that defy societal norms.
Kierkegaard believes that real faith involves an expectation of the absurd, such as believing that God could restore Isaac even after sacrifice.
The book uses vivid metaphors, comparing Abraham's experience with that of an individual contemplating the abyss, emphasizing faith's inherent risk.
Abraham's sacrifice is seen as a profound personal act that isolates him from societal understanding, creating a tension between individual faith and collective ethics.
Kierkegaard's writing style is poetic and complex, often blurring the line between philosophy and literature, making it a challenging yet enriching read.
The book serves as a reflection of Kierkegaard's own struggles with faith, echoing his personal sacrifices, particularly regarding his engagement.

From The Publisher:

Regarded as the father of Existentialism, SÀren Kierkegaard transformed philosophy with his conviction that we must all create our own nature. In Fear and Trembling he argues that a true understanding of God can only be attained by making a personal ïleap of faith.Í This revised edition of the standard English translation of Fear and Trembling updates some of the more archaic language and presents this landmark philosophical work in modern American English.

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