Kierkegaard and Socrates

This volume is a study of the relationship between philosophy and faith in Soren Kierkegaard´s Philosophical Fragments. It is also the first book to examine the role of Socrates in this body of writings, illuminating the significance of Socrates for Kierkegaard´s thought. Jacob Howland argues that in the Fragments, philosophy and faith are closely related passions. A careful examination of the role of Socrates demonstrates that Socratic, philosophical eros opens up a path to faith. At the same time, the work of faith -which holds the self together with that which transcends it- is essentially erotic in the Socratic sense of the term. Chapters on Kierkegaard´s Johannes Climacus and on Plato´s Apology shed light on the Socratic character of the pseudonymous author of the Fragments and the role of "the god" in Socrates´ pursuit of wisdom. Howland also analyzes the Concluding Unscientific Postscript and Kierkegaard´s reflections on Socrates and Christ.