DISCUSSION ON KIERKEGAARD’S VIEWS ON ETHICS (Term Paper Sample)

DISCUSSION ON KIERKEGAARD’S VIEWS ON ETHICS Name of Student Institute Affiliation Due Date Kierkegaard was a Danish philosopher best known for his work in existentialism and religious philosophy. Kierkegaard's ethics are based on the idea that ethical dilemmas cannot be resolved through reason alone. Instead, one must choose between competing ethical values based on faith. This may seem like a rather radical idea, but Kierkegaard believed that it was the only way to lead a meaningful life. This essay explores Kierkegaard's views on ethics and how they can be applied to our lives today. Kierkegaard's views on ethics Kierkegaard's views on ethics are unique and complex. For Kierkegaard, ethical acts are not simply a matter of following rules or acting following moral principles. Instead, ethical acts are expressions of our innermost selves, and as such, they must be undertaken with great care and intention.  Kierkegaard believed that the purpose of ethical living is to become our true selves. This requires us to understand who we are, which a complicated and lifelong task is.  Living an ethical life is not easy, but it is the only way to achieve true happiness and fulfilment. It requires courage and strength to be true to oneself, especially when doing so goes against the grain. Nevertheless, for Kierkegaard, this is the only way to live a meaningful life.[Fox-Muraton, Mélissa. “Introduction: Kierkegaard’s Existential Ethics for the 21st Century.” Kierkegaard and Issues in Contemporary Ethics, 2020, 1–14.] Kierkegaard's views on ethics Kierkegaard's views on ethics are complex and often contradictory. On the one hand, he advocates a kind of ethical relativism, suggesting that there is no one correct way to live. On the other hand, he also strongly favours ethical ideals such as truth, faithfulness, and love. Kierkegaard's relativism is most apparent in his idea of the "leap of faith." For Kierkegaard, true faith is not based on proof or evidence; it is a decision one makes based on an inner feeling or intuition. This means that different people can have different faiths, and there is no objective way to determine which faith is "true." Kierkegaard believed that ethical decisions should be based on an individual's subjective understanding of right and wrong. This means that a person has to decide for themselves what is the best course of action in a given situation. For Kierkegaard, this approach to ethics is personal and subjective, as it does not rely on external moral codes or standards but rather on the individual's judgment. [Morgan, Jeffrey. “Guilt, Self-Awareness, and the Good Will in Kierkegaard’s Confessional Discourses.” Studies in Christian Ethics 33, no. 3 (2019): 352–70.] Kierkegaard also argued that an individual's ethical decisions should be based on their understanding of the divine and their unique circumstances. He believed that ethical decisions should be made on one's understanding of God and the divine order. This emphasis on the individual's relationship with the divine was a cornerstone of Kierkegaard's ethical system. Kierkegaard also argued that ethical decisions should be based on an individual's desire to achieve their highest good. Depending on the individual's values and beliefs, this highest good could be either spiritual or temporal. In other words, each individual must find their path to the highest good, which should be based on their values and beliefs.[Stokes, Patrick. “7. Kierkegaard’s Critique of the Internet.” Kierkegaard and Issues in Contemporary Ethics, 2020, 125–46.]  However, Kierkegaard also believes that some ethical values are absolute and universally binding. He argues passionately against lying and deceit, for example, and advocates for living a life of passion and commitment rather than indifference. In general, Kierkegaard seems to believe that there are certain "higher" values that everyone should aspire to, even if they cannot be proven objectively. The different types of ethical systems Kierkegaard believed there were three ethical systems: the aesthetic, the ethical, and the religious. The aesthetic system is based on pleasure and self-gratification, while the ethical system is based on duty and what one ought to do. The religious system is based on a relationship with God and is more concerned with spiritual matters than earthly ones.[Stokes, Patrick. “7. Kierkegaard’s Critique of the Internet.” Kierkegaard and Issues in Contemporary Ethics, 2020, 125–46.] Ethics is a vital part of our lives. It is the moral compass that guides us in how to behave and how to make decisions. It helps us determine right from wrong and guides us to make decisions that align with our values and beliefs. One of the most common ethical systems is utilitarianism. This system is based on the idea that we should always strive to maximize the overall happiness or utility of a group of people. This means that the decision we make should be the one that maximizes the total happiness of the most significant number of people.  Another popular ethical system is deontology. This system is based on the idea that each individual should always act following a set of moral rules or duties. For example, we must respect others and treat them with kindness and respect. This ethical system is based on the idea that our moral decisions should be based on following a set of universal moral principles. [Watts, Daniel. “Participation in Grace: Kierkegaard’s Corrective to Luther.” Studies in Christian Ethics 35, no. 4 (2022): 765–85.] Virtue ethics is another ethical system that focuses on the character and virtues of an individual. It is based on the idea that we should strive to develop our character and cultivate virtues. This means that our moral decision-making should be based on what is best for our character and how it can help us be better. In this way, there is the ethical system of contract Arianism. This system is based on the idea that all moral decisions should be based on the wishes of the consensus of those involved. This means that all parties must agree on beneficial decisions for all involved. These are just some of the different types of ethical systems that exist. Each system has its own unique set of principles and guidelines that can help us make ethical decisions. Understanding the different types of ethical systems can help us develop our moral character and make better decisions. Kierkegaard's ethical theory Kierkegaard's ethical theory is based on the idea that the good life is lived according to God's will. This means that individuals must first know God's will before they can live according to it. Kierkegaard believed that individuals could only come to know God's will through a leap of faith, which he defined as "the act of believing in something without being able to prove it." Kierkegaard believed that humans have an innate sense of moral obligation. This sense is based on an individual's responsibility to act following one's conscience, which is informed by subjective experiences and thoughts. For Kierkegaard, this sense of moral obligation is the foundation of ethics. He believed that morality was based on each individual's unique perspective and that no universal moral standard applies to everyone.[Watts, Daniel. “Participation in Grace: Kierkegaard’s Corrective to Luther.” Studies in Christian Ethics 35, no. 4 (2022): 765–85.] Kierkegaard's ethical theory also emphasizes the importance of choice and its consequences. For Kierkegaard, it is essential to recognize that our choices have consequences and should be considered when making ethical decisions. He believed our choices should be based on a deep understanding of our values and goals. He argued that a decision should not just be made based on what is externally imposed upon us, such as social pressure or laws, but rather on our values and goals.  Kierkegaard's ethical theory also stresses the importance of personal integrity. He believed that we should strive for a moral life based on our values and beliefs rather than the expectations of others. He argued that acting by our beliefs and values is essential, even when it goes against society's expectations. According to Kierkegaard, this is because when we go against our beliefs, we are not being true to ourselves. In other words, we are not living with integrity. Kierkegaard's ethical theory offers an exciting and thought-provoking perspective on the importance of moral choice and its consequences. His emphasis on personal integrity and his belief that our choices should be based on our values and goals rather than the expectations of others are still relevant today. Kierkegaard's ethical theory is still worth exploring, and it can provide valuable insights into how we can live a more ethical life.[Søltoft, Pia. “Kierkegaard’s Ethics.” Eco-ethica 1 (2021): 131–38.] Based on this leap of faith, Kierkegaard believed that individuals could lead authentic and meaningful lives. He stressed the importance of individuals making their own choices and taking responsibility for their actions. Kierkegaard believed that it was only through free choice and responsibility that individuals could become fully self-realized beings.[Klemke, E. D. “Kierkegaard’s Views on Christianity.” Studies in the Philosophy of Kierkegaard, 1976, 74–79.] Pros and cons of Kierkegaard's view When it comes to Kierkegaard's views on ethics, there are both pros and cons to consider. On the one hand, Kierkegaard believed that ethical principles were subjective and relative, which could be a strength because it allows for different interpretations and applications of those principles. This could lead to a more nuanced and complex understanding of ethics. On the other hand, this subjectivity could also be seen as a weakness, as it could make it difficult to reach a consensus or agreement on ethical...