What does Kierkegaard mean by “objective uncertainty”?
Answer
a. The state of having no clear, objective answers to the most important existential questions.
b. The certainty that our personal desires are in conflict with universal truths.
c. Truths that are universally accepted by all people.
d. The condition of being unsure about scientific or mathematical facts.
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is a. The state of having no clear, objective answers to the most important existential questions.
Kierkegaard’s concept of “objective uncertainty” refers to the recognition that, in life, there are no definitive or universally agreed-upon answers to fundamental existential questions. These questions often concern topics such as the meaning of life, the existence of God, and the nature of personal identity. In contrast to more empirical or scientific uncertainties, which can be resolved through evidence or logic, existential questions remain deeply subjective and personal.
Kierkegaard believed that human beings are confronted with these questions in a way that involves both a sense of anxiety and responsibility. Objective uncertainty, in his view, highlights the limits of reason and the human struggle to make sense of existence. For instance, the idea of whether God exists is not something that can be definitively proven or disproven by scientific evidence; instead, individuals must navigate this uncertainty through faith and personal commitment.
This concept is deeply tied to Kierkegaard’s philosophy of subjectivity, which emphasizes that personal experience, choice, and commitment are central to finding meaning in life. He suggested that individuals must confront and engage with this uncertainty directly, rather than trying to escape it through reliance on external authorities or objective knowledge.
For Kierkegaard, the resolution of this uncertainty is not about finding clear-cut answers but about making a personal decision to live authentically in the face of ambiguity. In this sense, “objective uncertainty” becomes a key element in his understanding of how individuals must engage with existential questions and find their own meaning in life, even without clear, objective answers.