📚 Kierkegaard and Socrates: A Study in Philosophy and Faith by Jacob Howland

Key Takeaways

Aspect	Details
Core Thesis	The apparent dichotomy between Socratic philosophy and Christian faith in Kierkegaard's Philosophical Fragments is less clear than it appears, as both traditions share fundamental elements of eros, paradoxical relationship to truth, and divine inspiration.
Structure	Scholarly examination organized into: Introduction, Analysis of Johannes Climacus as Socratic philosopher, Climacus's thought-project, Platonic interlude on eros, Climacus's poetical venture, The paradox and passion of thought, Self-love and offense, Faith and the contemporary follower, Climacan interlude, Socrates in Postscript, and Epilogue.
Strengths	Groundbreaking challenge to conventional Kierkegaard scholarship, meticulous textual analysis, deep engagement with Platonic philosophy, accessible writing style, original insights about eros in both traditions, compelling argument about divine elements in Socratic philosophy.
Weaknesses	Limited focus on Climacus pseudonym rather than Kierkegaard's full authorship, insufficient engagement with sin in Kierkegaard's thinking, potential overstatement of Socratic-Christian assimilation, minimal engagement with secondary literature, occasional glossing over theological differences.
Target Audience	Kierkegaard scholars, philosophers of religion, students of ancient Greek philosophy, theologians interested in philosophy-faith dialogue, graduate students in continental philosophy, anyone interested in classical philosophy and Christian thought.
Criticisms	Some argue Howland downplays sin in Kierkegaard's distinction, others note the limited scope focusing mainly on Philosophical Fragments, critics suggest the assimilation argument overlooks theological differences, some contend the book doesn't sufficiently address Kierkegaard's master's thesis on Socratic irony.

Introduction

Kierkegaard and Socrates: A Study in Philosophy and Faith by Jacob Howland challenges conventional interpretations of Kierkegaard's relationship to classical philosophy. Through meticulous textual analysis, Howland reveals that the apparent dichotomy between Socratic philosophy and Christian faith conceals a more complex relationship characterized by shared elements of eros, paradox, and divine inspiration.

Howland uncovers how Johannes Climacus employs Socratic methods and how Socrates embodies elements of faith and divine inspiration, including "the insight that philosophy has two roots: it is answerable to, and authorized by, the god, but also by what Socrates calls eros" and "the understanding that both Socratic philosophy and Christian faith are grounded in passionate desire for truth." The book bridges the perceived gap between ancient philosophy and Christian theology.

Summary

Howland examines whether Kierkegaard's sharp distinction between "the Socratic" and "the Christian" truly captures the complex relationship between philosophy and faith. Through analysis of Climacus's writings and Platonic dialogues, he reveals deeper connections between these traditions.

Johannes Climacus, Socratic Philosopher

Climacus's Identity: Analysis of the name's significance (derived from St. John Climacus, "John of the Ladder")
Socratic Elements: How Climacus embodies Socratic philosophical methods and attitudes
Philosophical Eros: The role of passionate desire for truth in Climacus's thought-project
Autobiographical Continuity: Connections between the young Johannes Climacus and the mature pseudonymous author

Deep Dive: Howland explores "philosophical autobiography," showing how Climacus's development mirrors Socrates' philosophical journey, challenging the notion that Kierkegaard's pseudonyms represent a complete break from classical traditions.

Climacus's Thought-Project

The Socratic Method: How Climacus employs questioning, irony, and maieutic techniques
Divine Commission: Parallels between Socrates' divine mission and Climacus's philosophical calling
The Role of Doubt: Philosophical skepticism as a path toward truth
Lived Philosophy: The requirement that philosophy must be embodied in authentic existence

Platonic Interlude: Eros and the God

Eros as Intermediate: The ambivalent nature of eros between human and divine realms
Recollection Theory: How Socratic philosophy presupposes innate truth and divine inspiration
The Oracle's Role: How the Delphic oracle authorizes Socratic philosophical activity
Daimonic Inspiration: The role of divine signs in Socratic philosophy

Framework: Howland develops the "dual roots of philosophy" concept, showing how Socratic philosophy springs simultaneously from divine authorization and human desire, prefiguring elements of Christian faith.

The Paradox and the Passion of Thought

Socratic Paradox: The unity of ignorance and wisdom in philosophical pursuit
Christian Paradox: The absolute paradox of the incarnate God
Passionate Subjectivity: How both traditions require passionate engagement
Truth as Relationship: The interpersonal nature of truth in both contexts

Self-Love and Offense

Self-Knowledge: The Socratic imperative "know thyself" in Christian context
Offense at the Paradox: How resistance to divine truth affirms its authority
Self-Assertion vs. Divine Love: The tension between human autonomy and divine grace
The Structure of Sin: How human defiance paradoxically demonstrates divine connectedness

Key Themes

Eros as Unifying Principle: Both traditions grounded in passionate desire for truth
Paradox as Fundamental: Both characterized by irreducible paradoxes
Divine Inspiration: Socratic philosophy contains religious elements; Christian faith has philosophical dimensions
Subjective Passion: Both require passionate engagement rather than detached intellectualism
Recollection vs. Revelation: Similarities between Socratic recollection and Christian revelation
The Teacher-Student Relationship: Truth transmission through personal encounter
Self-Transcendence: Movement beyond the self toward greater truth
The Role of Doubt: Skeptical questioning as a path toward truth

Comparison to Other Works

vs. Kierkegaard's Relations to Hegel Reconsidered (Jon Stewart): Stewart focuses on Hegelian philosophy; Howland examines classical Greek philosophy.
vs. The Concept of Irony (Kierkegaard): Kierkegaard emphasizes dissimilarity between Socrates and Christ; Howland argues for deeper similarities.
vs. Socrates and Christ (Ronald Markham): Markham examines historical relationship; Howland focuses on Kierkegaard's interpretation.
vs. Kierkegaard's Pseudonymous Authorship (Roger Poole): Poole analyzes literary aspects; Howland focuses on philosophical content.
vs. Plato and Kierkegaard (Jacob Howland): Howland's earlier work examines broader Platonic influences; this focuses specifically on Socratic elements.

Key Actionable Insights

Read Philosophical Fragments Socratically: Approach with questioning attitude and self-examination, looking for deeper connections.
Examine the Role of Eros: Consider how passionate desire for truth operates in both traditions.
Embrace Paradox: Dwell productively with paradox rather than seeking intellectual resolution.
Study Divine Elements in Socrates: Recognize religious dimensions in Socratic philosophy.
Apply Philosophical Methods to Faith: Use Socratic techniques as tools for deepening religious understanding.
Recognize Subjective Passion: Cultivate passionate engagement with truth in both contexts.
Explore Teacher-Student Relationship: Consider truth transmission through personal encounter.
Practice Self-Transcendence: Move beyond self-centeredness toward greater truth.
Integrate Doubt and Faith: Hold doubt and faith in creative tension.

Kierkegaard and Socrates: A Study in Philosophy and Faith reexamines the relationship between classical philosophy and Christian thought, providing insights into how these traditions share deeper connections beneath surface-level distinctions.

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