Søren Kierkegaard | The Knight of Faith | Philosophy Core Concepts

This is a video in my new Core Concepts series -- designed to provide students and lifelong learners a brief discussion focused on one main concept from a classic philosophical text and thinker.

This Core Concept video focuses on Soren Kierkegaard's Fear and Trembling. This is a classic work of Existentialist literature and philosophy, and focuses upon the figure of Abraham and the demands of faith. In this lecture, we discuss the figure of the "knight of faith", who makes the "movement of the infinite" - as does the "knight of infinite resignation" - but then goes further by virtue of the absurd.

[noname]

Thank you professor for taking your time in explaining one of the greatest philosophers around.

[PopstarCharles]

Kierkegaard's writing is very hard to grasp personally, but as you've said, the concept themselves could be simplified. I really appreciate your clear and concise explaination of Kierkegaard's work; he is by far my favorite philosopher I've studied.

[wbdrugstrat]

This may be the best description of the knight of faith that I have ever heard. I love how accessible this professor makes it. I will definitely be checking his videos for more.

[n.p.aucoin]

I'm listening to this series as kind of a commentary while reading through the book. They've been extremely helpful!

[WhiskeyOracle]

Just listened to this video and the one you made about the Knight of Infinite Resignation after a tough day at work. Your tone is both informative and soothing. Thanks for the hard work you put into these!

[salihtaysi]

Surely basketball players should resonate with the leap of the ballet dancers. Excellent video!

[bzedman]

I enjoyed your presentation very much and look forward to seeing more. Thank you.

[tonibael]

Great lecture, keep up the good work.

[endlessnoise]

I’ve read this part of F&T many times and have always struggled with the meaning of the “dancer” metaphor (to be more specific, the “coming down” part of it). This video goes a long way in clarifying that (among other things). Thank you.

[MarkMc]

I have been reading some critical analyses of The Lord of the Rings books. This character, and his inferior, the Knight of Infinite Resignation reminded me of Sam and Frodo. The hero is usually thought to be Frodo, but Sam might actually be exhibiting the higher degree. Frodo exemplifies resignation with this famous quote: “So I thought too, once. But I have been too deeply hurt, Sam. I tried to save the Shire, and it has been saved, but not for me. It must often be so, Sam, when things are in danger: some one has to give them up, lose them, so that others may keep them.” Frodo seems to fade away when he sails off with the elves.
And it is Sam who seems to actualize the ideal of a more vibrant life of faith. He marries, and becomes successful in the community.
I guess they were both heroes in their own ways, and I suppose it actually was Frodo that sacrificed more. Especially if this quote from M. Scott Peck’s People of the Lie is factual: “I know now that he or she who would do true battle with evil must expect to be depleted beyond imagination—perhaps even beyond recovery.” That is what carrying the ring did to him. Points for Frodo on that.
I can’t help but wonder if Tolkien was conscious of how his characters seemed to represent these two Kierkegaardian concepts so well.

[pigeongrl]

I loved this! It really helped me understand this concept and it'll help me in my essay for my philosophy class! I only wished you included where the quotes you used were from, it would be a little easier to find hahah

[yusufshaikh]

im currently watching your playlist on Kierkegaard. great work. i wonder but where does leap of faith fit in all of this like is leap of faith from ethical to religious or is something which only the knight of faith has, please reply. thank you.

[thiagoxdantas]

Very good explanation. Saved my day! I'll do a exam and hope to havê a great grade! Tnx

[TALKmd]

That's great, it's interesting not beacuse Faith, beacuse the ideas it represents that can be extended and thinking about them.

[kaidoloveboat]

The knight of faith reminds me of the way of grace from The Tree of Life. It also seems similar to what David Foster Wallace was talking about in This Is Water.

[rankohonda]

Your lecture is very informative and easy to understand difficult materials like Kierkegaard! I wonder if Father Paneloux from Camus' Plague is the knight of faith or not. Maybe he is not. But anyway thank you!!

[sinjinreed]

So, Don Quixote is a Knight of Faith?

[Great_chiefs]

Kierkegaard miss a K in the name on the blackboard

[sweetbthesee]

Well he wasn't called the Father of faith for nothing. In the scripture he says God will provide the sacrifice. That was him showing his faith in the absurd chaos. At that time there were people sacrificing children to their Gods, which was considered normal. His faith and God's will combined and a ram appeared also the angel to minister. Because of this humans God given faith, it was to be an example for all humans to strive for and to be known for all generations forever. To have faith in the Lord because he will provide the sacrifice. That sacrifice being Jesus his only begotten son.