Soren Kierkegaard was a 19th century Danish philosopher, poet, theologian, and social critic. He was born in 1813 in Copenhagen to a religious family and studied philosophy and theology at the University of Copenhagen. Kierkegaard believed that truth is found through self-reflection and individual choice rather than conformity to social norms. He used unconventional literary techniques in his writing to encourage independent thinking in readers.

1. Philosopher, Poet, religious
Author, Theologian, and Social
Critic

2.  Born in 1813 in
Copenhagen Denmark
 Raised in a religious
family
 His father was an
intensely religious man
but be believed his sins
had condemned his
children to die before
the age of 33

3. Copenhagen University
 Educated at
Borgerdydskolen, a
boys school
 Attended
Copenhagen
University
 Studied philosophy
and theology

4.  In 1837 Soren met
Reigne Olsen
 3 years later in 1839
he proposed
 Almost a year later he
broke off the
engagement claiming
to be unfit for
marriage

5.  Soren Kierkegaard
wrote in the field of
psychology, religious
works, poetry and
philosophical papers
 Employed literary
methods such as
irony, humor, satire, p
olemic, and parady.

6.  “What matters is to find a purpose, to
see what it really is that God wills that I
shall do; the crucial thing is to find
truth…to find the idea for which I am to
live and die”-Soren Keirkegaard
 Belief that the individual is important and
has a purpose
 Concerned with finding truth.

7. Indirect communication in writing
Inspired by the teachings of Christ and
Socrates, it encourage in the reader self-
reflection
Intentionally confusing, and contained
riddles
encourages a way of thinking that would
help people come to their own
conclusions.

8. Individual has choices
Revolts against social control over the
individual/despises conformity
Individual determines their development in
life through choices.
Emphasizes uniqueness

9. Students are encouraged to decide for
themselves what is true
Appreciation of the individual and
awareness of self comes before subject
matter
Students have more control over what they
learn
Humanities emphasized