The Other Heifer

• Other Authors: Feddon, Dustin Ryan (authoraut)
• Format: Others
• Language: English; English
• Published: Florida State University
• Subjects: Religion
• Online Access: http://purl.flvc.org/fsu/fd/FSU_migr_etd-4485

This thesis will work to illuminate the significant similarities between Johann Georg Hamann and Søren Kierkegaard; a relationship that is often referred but rarely attended to. The lines of correspondence are both hidden and pronounced in their early work—Hamann in Socratic Memorabilia and Kierkegaard in the Concept of Irony. Peculiarly, both Hamann and Kierkegaard employ the ambiguous figure of Socrates in order to impede the rush of philosophy towards absolute knowledge. This is to say that the two writers discern a move towards a world ordering morality that tramples over the perspective of the subject. Hamann and Kierkegaard will counter this move towards the grounding of philosophy into a universal system by re-casting Socrates in an ambiguous light; a mediating figure strung between ideality and actuality. Hamann and Kierkegaard both use Socrates in order to open religious dimensions in the currents of modern philosophy. Hamann and Kierkegaard share common foundations (Lutheranism), common objectives (elevating experience over knowledge), and common vehicles in their argumentation (Socrates and Socratic ignorance). === A Thesis submitted to the Department of Religion in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts. === Summer Semester, 2004. === April 7, 2004. === Kierkegaard, Hamann, Socrates, Concept of Irony, Religion, Subjectivity === Includes bibliographical references. === David Kangas, Professor Directing Thesis; Martin Kavka, Committee Member; Sumner Twiss, Committee Member.