The purpose of the Kierkegaard Reading Group is to nurture the interests of those graduate students who want to study the works of Søren Kierkegaard. Kierkegaard, held by many scholars to be the founder of existentialism, wrote prolifically concerning what many people think should be the primary concern of philosophy: the meaning of existence.

Writing, as he did, in the nineteenth century, Kierkegaard had at his disposal philosophical systems that were fertile ground for reflection, such as the philosophies of Kant and Hegel. Kierkegaard's insights on existence, which include the nature of faith, religion, and God are worthy of serious scholarly attention. Moreover, his treatment of everything from Socrates to scripture merits philosophical consideration, as does the complexity of his intellectual relationships with Kant and Hegel.

Beginning in the fall semester of 2008, the group will begin with a consideration of Kierkegaard's essay, Fear and Trembling. We will spend the entire fall semester on this essay. In preparation, it is recommended that those interested in participating read the story of Abraham and Isaac (Genesis 22).

In the spring semester of 2009, the topic will be Kierkegaard's essay, Repetition, along with Ronald M. Green's book, Kierkegaard and Kant: The Hidden Debt. At the beginning of the spring 2009 semester, copies of Green's book will be posted on the UMDrive.

We hope to spend the entire 2009-10 academic year on Kierkegaard's Concluding Unscientific Postscript to the Philosophical Fragments.