Abstract
This paper explores Kierkegaard’s method of irony and his distinct conception of temporality through the philosophy of Emmanuel Levinas. It suggests that Kierkegaard makes an ironic use of the term ‘sacrifice.’ Rather than asking us to abandon all human preferential relationships in favor of an abstract (religious) love to an anonymous neighbor, it advances the view that Kierkegaard’s prime objective is therapeutic. Kierkegaard seeks to disabuse us of the idea that we can fully possess faith, or indeed, anything meaningful whatsoever, such as the love that pulsates in our hearts for a family member, romantic partner, friend, or even to ourselves.
An earlier version of this paper was presented at the workshop “Kritiken des Leidens,” held at the Free University of Berlin, November 10th-12th 2017 (organized by Erika Benini and Anne Eusterschulte). The argument presented here is further developed in my dissertation, which is planned to be submitted to the Humboldt University of Berlin in 2020. I would like to thank a number of people who gave me valuable comments on early drafts of this paper: Ugo Perone, Daniel Weidner, René Rosfort, Heiko Schulz, Claudia Welz, and Niels Jørgen Cappelørn. Special thanks to Aaron James Goldman for his invaluable help in preparing the final version of this article.
© 2019 Walter de Gruyter GmbH, Berlin/Boston
