Question

• What are Kierkegaard's three stages of existence? Explain
• It has been argued that in our capitalist and consumerist society  we are alienated from love of others and God. We have become selfish individuals who are lonely. Do you agree with this position? Explain.
• Does the failure of Soviet communism indicate that Marx was wrong about communism being the end of history? If not, why did communism fail in the Soviet Union?

Answer 1

• Stages of existence:-
• Kierkegaard proposed that the individual passes through three stages on the way to becoming a true self: the aesthetic, the ethical, and the religious.Each of these “stages on life’s way” represents competing views on life and as such have potential conflicts with one another.
• Aesthetic life is defined by pleasures and its a realm of our sensory experiences.To live an aesthetic life to fullest one needs to fulfill the pleasures.Increasing fulfillment of pleasures would help to combat boredom in life and make life more interesting and fun.For example,to enjoy life,one can stop using their mobile phone for 2-3days,which will help enjoy one's vacation and rejuvanate,and find pleasures in doing small things by exploring nature.
• This stage is considered immature as it only focuses on personal enjoyment,once the pleasures of aesthetic become weak,one must seek ethical pleasures.
• Ethical-Ethics are the social rules that govern how a person ought to act.The aesthetic life of an individual must be subordinated to the ethical life, having ethics in life is important since they are based on a consistent, coherent set of rules established for the good of society.
• We can still experience pleasure while living an ethical life. Ethics in our life serve the purpose of allowing diverse people,from different parts of the world to coexist in harmony and causes individuals to act for the good of society. It helps to promote social welfare of the people rather than personal gains.Doing something good for others one learns to enjoy life beyond aesthetics which is only focused on self.
• Religious life is the highest plane of existence and spiritual life.Having a relationship with God is extremely personal.Religious life is completely ruled by one's faith,in whatever a person follows which is important for self exploration and discovering yourself going beyond the aesthetic and ethical life.Kierkegaard claims that the only way to make life worthwhile is to embrace faith in God.
• Due to time limit,remaining questions can be asked as another question,they will be answered,thankyou for your cooperation