Ep. 329: Kierkegaard on Irony (Part Two) | The Partially Examined Life Philosophy Podcast

Intro

In this episode of “The Partially Examined Life Philosophy Podcast,” the hosts continue their exploration of Soren Kierkegaard’s views on irony. They delve into the meaning of “know thyself,” the origin of subjectivity, and the different types of infinity. They also discuss the role of irony in art, the dangers of misinterpretation, and the relationship between irony and creativity. Join the hosts as they navigate the complex world of Kierkegaard’s philosophy and its implications for self-awareness and subjectivity.

Main Takeaways

Kierkegaard’s View of Irony and Self-Knowledge

• Soren Kierkegaard’s view of Socrates and the phrase “know thyself”
• The meaning of “know thyself” as separating oneself from others
• The compatibility of self-knowledge with secretic ignorance
• Kierkegaard’s definition of irony includes infinite absolute negativity
• Irony applies to all things and reflects on all being

The Role of Irony in Subjectivity and Creativity

• The origin of subjectivity according to Kierkegaard
• Irony as the birthplace of subjectivity, but not the full awareness of self
• Productivity and creative productivity come from the inner infinity that has constraints
• Irony is tied up with humor and freedom, which makes it delightful
• Irony makes free play of the imagination and is a necessary condition for creativity

The Dangers and Misinterpretations of Irony

• Irony can be extremely dangerous and requires a sense of responsibility
• There is a risk of misinterpretation when using irony
• The audience must be fully in on the joke for comedic irony to work
• Irony can be used as a way to lie about oneself, to oneself
• The distinction between irony and other forms of acting or art is the intention to say something different about the thing being performed

Irony in Art and Literature

• Ironic writing style is something that Kierkegaard is very much known for
• Using a pseudonym for the purposes of irony can emancipate the creation from the author
• Irony is distinct from other forms of acting or art because of the intention to say something different about the thing being performed
• Irony is a way to explore ideas from different perspectives
• Irony can be the engine for subjectivity or our potential for subjectivity

Kierkegaard’s Critique of Romantic Irony

• Romanticism in Kierkegaard’s time was synonymous with irony, which he finds problematic
• Kierkegaard criticizes romantic irony for being unrestricted and not positing anything within bounds
• The romantics’ focus on individuality and expression can lead to a lack of discipline and a loss of authenticity
• Kierkegaard encourages the use of irony and poetry, but with control and mastery
• He criticizes the idea of surrendering oneself completely to poetry or romanticism

Summary

Kierkegaard’s View of Irony and Self-Knowledge

Kierkegaard explores the significance of Socrates and the phrase “know thyself.” He sees “know thyself” as a way to separate oneself from others and develop self-knowledge. Kierkegaard’s definition of irony includes infinite absolute negativity, which applies to all things and reflects on all being.

The Role of Irony in Subjectivity and Creativity

According to Kierkegaard, irony is the birthplace of subjectivity but does not fully encompass self-awareness. Productivity and creative productivity come from the inner infinity that has constraints. Irony is tied to humor and freedom, making it delightful. It allows for the free play of imagination and is a necessary condition for creativity.

The Dangers and Misinterpretations of Irony

Kierkegaard acknowledges the extreme dangers of irony and emphasizes the need for responsibility. There is a risk of misinterpretation when using irony, as the audience must fully understand the intended message. Irony can also be used as a means of self-deception. The distinction between irony and other forms of acting or art lies in the intention to say something different about the thing being performed.

Irony in Art and Literature

Kierkegaard is known for his ironic writing style and the use of pseudonyms to emancipate creations from the author. Irony allows for the exploration of ideas from different perspectives and serves as the engine for subjectivity. It is a way to express the potential for subjectivity and creativity.

Kierkegaard’s Critique of Romantic Irony

Kierkegaard criticizes romantic irony, which was prevalent in his time, for being unrestricted and lacking bounds. He believes that the focus on individuality and expression in romanticism can lead to a lack of discipline and a loss of authenticity. Kierkegaard encourages the use of irony and poetry but emphasizes control and mastery, cautioning against surrendering oneself completely to romanticism.

Conclusion

Through the exploration of Kierkegaard’s views on irony, this episode of “The Partially Examined Life Philosophy Podcast” sheds light on the role of irony in self-knowledge, subjectivity, creativity, and art. It highlights the dangers and misinterpretations of irony and provides insights into Kierkegaard’s critique of romantic irony. Ultimately, irony serves as a powerful tool for self-expression and exploration, but it requires responsibility and a sense of control to avoid pitfalls and maintain authenticity.