Fear and trembling

Definition

Fear and trembling is a philosophical concept that explores the emotional and existential struggle associated with faith, particularly in the context of making choices that involve profound moral implications. It reflects the inner conflict between ethical responsibilities and individual beliefs, exemplified in the biblical story of Abraham and Isaac, where Abraham's faith is tested to an extreme degree. This term highlights the complexities of belief, the nature of sacrifice, and the personal turmoil that can arise from deep-seated convictions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The term originates from Kierkegaard's work 'Fear and Trembling,' where he discusses the biblical figure Abraham and his willingness to sacrifice Isaac as a demonstration of faith.
2. Kierkegaard argues that true faith requires an individual to confront anxiety, uncertainty, and moral dilemmas, leading to personal growth.
3. The concept illustrates how faith can lead to isolation, as genuine belief often distances individuals from societal norms and expectations.
4. Kierkegaard emphasizes that faith is a deeply personal journey that transcends rational understanding, requiring a leap into the unknown.
5. This term is significant in existential philosophy as it underlines the tension between ethical duties and personal convictions, making it relevant in discussions about moral choice.

Review Questions

• How does Kierkegaard use the story of Abraham and Isaac to illustrate the concept of fear and trembling?
  • Kierkegaard uses the story of Abraham and Isaac to show the extreme demands that faith can place on an individual. In this narrative, Abraham is faced with a profound moral conflict when commanded by God to sacrifice his son. This situation embodies fear and trembling as Abraham grapples with his love for Isaac against his duty to God. Kierkegaard argues that this tension reveals the complexities of faith where true belief often requires one to confront anxiety and uncertainty.
• Discuss the implications of the teleological suspension of the ethical in relation to fear and trembling.
  • The teleological suspension of the ethical suggests that sometimes one must set aside conventional morality to achieve a higher divine purpose. In 'Fear and Trembling,' Kierkegaard argues that Abraham's readiness to sacrifice Isaac exemplifies this suspension, as he prioritizes his relationship with God over societal ethics. This idea complicates our understanding of morality by introducing a dimension where personal belief can override established ethical norms, showcasing the tension between individual conviction and collective morality.
• Evaluate how fear and trembling contributes to the broader discourse on existentialism and individual choice.
  • Fear and trembling significantly enriches existentialist thought by emphasizing the individual's struggle with choice amidst moral ambiguity. Kierkegaard's exploration reveals how authentic faith often involves navigating difficult choices that may defy societal expectations. This conflict resonates with existentialist themes of freedom and responsibility, illustrating how personal belief shapes one's identity and actions. Ultimately, it underscores the notion that existential fulfillment arises from confronting these dilemmas, making faith a deeply personal yet universally relevant experience.

Related terms

Existentialism:

A philosophical movement that emphasizes individual existence, freedom, and choice, asserting that individuals are responsible for creating meaning in their own lives.

Teleological Suspension of the Ethical: A concept introduced by Kierkegaard that suggests one may have to suspend conventional ethical standards in order to fulfill a higher divine purpose.

Knight of Faith: An individual who fully embraces faith despite the paradoxes and challenges it presents, embodying a deep personal relationship with the divine.