Title of Chapter/Section
Kierkegaard on Indirect Communication, the Crowd, and a Monstrous Illusion
Title of Book
Point of View
Editor(s) of Book
Robert L. Perkins
Department
Philosophy
Document Type
Book Section/Chapter
Place of Publication
Macon, GA
Publisher
Mercer University Press
Year of Publication
2010
Series (if applicable)
International Kierkegaard Commentary Series
Series Volume (if applicable)
22
Page Range
295-324
Description
Following the pattern set by the early German Romantics, Kierkegaard conveys many of his insights through literature rather than academic prose. What makes him a valuable member of this tradition is the theory he develops to support it, his so-called “theory of indirect communication.” The most exciting aspect of this theory concerns the alleged importance of indirect communication: Kierkegaard claims that there are some projects only it can accomplish. This paper provides a critical account of two arguments Kierkegaard offers in defense of this claim. The first argument is that he needs to use indirect communication in order to discourage people from losing themselves in the “crowd”. The second argument is that he needs to use it in order to help people out of a “monstrous illusion”. It is shown that while both arguments justify Kierkegaard’s decision to use indirect communication, neither one supports the original claim about its indispensability.
Recommended Citation
Aumann, Antony, "Kierkegaard on Indirect Communication, the Crowd, and a Monstrous Illusion" (2010). Book Sections/Chapters. 13.
https://commons.nmu.edu/facwork_bookchapters/13