Between Hegel and Hawking - Kierkegaard: Contribution to Epistemology

Abstract

Background: This presented study focuses on the issue of the possibilities and limits of humanrationality in the theory of knowledge from the perspective of Søren Kierkegaard. His opposition to the Hegelian rationalism of his time anticipates similar opposition to the strict naturalismof this time represented by Stephen Hawking. Kierkegaard‘s perspective of understanding thebasic categories of human existence form an intricate texture consisting of more central andmore peripheral beliefs, mutually supporting each other, while referring to such concepts in theirfundamental philosophical positions.In the study, we present Kierkegaard‘s relevant starting points and arguments with which headdresses the problem of a hyper-rationalistic approach to life, regardless of whether it is a metaphysical ambition or an existential understanding of life.Conclusion: We argue here that Kierkegaard‘s concept of existential passion, directed in thehope of an infinite future, provides not only the necessary framework for finding answers to contemporary epistemological challenges, especially in the field of the humanities, but also a goodprotection against the trap of idealism and strict naturalism.