Søren Aabye Kierkegaard (1813–1855) was a Danish theologian, philosopher, poet, and social critic who is widely regarded as the first existentialist philosopher. Operating during the mid-19th century, Kierkegaard wrote extensively in Danish, meaning his initial reception was largely confined to Scandinavia. However, by the turn of the 20th century, his works were translated into major European languages, eventually exerting a profound influence on Western philosophy, theology, and psychology.
Kierkegaard's literary and philosophical output is characterized by a deep concern for how one lives as a "single individual." He prioritized concrete human reality over abstract, systematic thinking, emphasizing authenticity, personal choice, and the subjective relationship to faith. To explore these themes, Kierkegaard frequently employed pseudonyms to present contrasting viewpoints in a complex dialogue, while publishing works like Upbuilding Discourses under his own name to directly address the individual reader.
Unlike later atheistic existentialists, Kierkegaard championed a Christian existentialism. He focused on Socratic Christian ethics, the infinite qualitative distinction between humanity and God, and the psychological experience of angst and faith. He was also a fierce critic of the state-controlled Church of Denmark, advocating for a passionate, subjective commitment to Christianity rather than objective, institutionalized doctrine.
