Søren Kierkegaard – Subjectivity, Irony and the Crisis of Modernity Course

Editorial Take

This course offers a clear and thoughtful introduction to one of philosophy’s most profound and personal thinkers. It balances historical context with timeless insight, making Kierkegaard’s dense ideas accessible without oversimplifying them. The University of Copenhagen delivers a well-paced, intellectually honest journey through existential themes that still resonate today. By focusing on subjectivity, irony, and modernity’s crisis, it invites learners into a deeper relationship with self and truth. Its blend of philosophical rigor and personal reflection makes it a standout among beginner-level humanities offerings on Coursera.

Standout Strengths

• Foundational Clarity: The course distills complex existential concepts like despair and the absurd into digestible, relatable ideas without losing philosophical depth. Each module builds logically, ensuring learners grasp Kierkegaard’s critique of modernity in stages.
• Lecture Engagement: The instructor presents Kierkegaard’s ideas with narrative flair and emotional resonance, turning abstract philosophy into a compelling story. This approach keeps attention high even during dense theoretical discussions.
• Interdisciplinary Depth: By weaving theology, culture, and philosophy, the course reflects Kierkegaard’s own method of blending genres and perspectives. This mirrors his use of pseudonyms and indirect communication in original works.
• Personal Reflection Focus: Learners are consistently prompted to connect Kierkegaard’s ideas to their own lives, especially around authenticity and faith. This transforms passive learning into active self-examination, deepening impact.
• Historical Context Integration: The course situates Kierkegaard within 19th-century intellectual debates, particularly his opposition to Hegelianism. This grounding helps learners understand why his ideas were revolutionary at the time.
• Irony as Method: Module 3’s focus on Kierkegaard’s dissertation on irony unpacks how he used Socratic irony as a tool for truth. This clarifies his indirect communication style across later works.
• Existential Relevance: The course emphasizes how Kierkegaard’s themes—subjectivity, the leap of faith, despair—are still vital today. This relevance makes philosophy feel urgent rather than academic.
• Legacy Mapping: Module 7 clearly traces Kierkegaard’s influence on existentialism and modern thought, naming key figures he inspired. This helps learners place him in the broader philosophical canon.

Honest Limitations

• Conceptual Density: Some ideas, like the paradox of faith or the nature of subjectivity, may overwhelm absolute beginners without prior exposure to philosophy. The course assumes a baseline comfort with abstract thinking.
• Limited Interaction: There are few opportunities for discussion or peer feedback, which could deepen understanding of such personal topics. The learning experience remains largely one-way.
• Pacing Challenges: At times, the one-hour modules condense rich ideas too quickly, especially in discussions of Hegelianism and nihilism. Slower learners may need to replay sections frequently.
• Minimal Application Exercises: While reflection is encouraged, there are no structured writing or practical exercises to apply concepts. Learners must self-motivate to internalize lessons.
• Language Nuance: Kierkegaard’s irony and pseudonymous voices are difficult to convey in translation, and the course doesn’t always clarify these layers. Non-native English speakers may struggle further.
• Narrow Scope: The course focuses heavily on early Kierkegaard and his critique of modernity, leaving out later devotional works. This gives an incomplete picture of his full evolution.
• Theological Assumptions: Some discussions presume familiarity with Christian concepts, which may alienate secular or non-Christian learners. The leap of faith is framed primarily in religious terms.
• Assessment Lightness: Quizzes are basic and don’t challenge deeper comprehension, missing chances to reinforce complex ideas. Mastery is hard to gauge without rigorous checks.

How to Get the Most Out of It

• Study cadence: Dedicate 3–4 sessions per week, each 30–40 minutes, to fully absorb one module with reflection time. This rhythm prevents cognitive overload and supports retention.
• Parallel project: Keep a journal applying each concept—like irony or despair—to personal experiences or current events. This deepens engagement and makes philosophy tangible.
• Note-taking: Use a two-column method: one side for Kierkegaard’s ideas, the other for personal reactions. This mirrors his emphasis on subjective truth and internal dialogue.
• Community: Join the Coursera discussion forums to exchange interpretations of irony and subjectivity with global peers. Shared perspectives enrich understanding of ambiguous texts.
• Practice: After each module, write a short letter from a Kierkegaardian perspective on a modern issue. This reinforces voice, irony, and existential critique in practical form.
• Replay strategy: Re-watch lectures with subtitles to catch nuances in tone and translation, especially on paradox and faith. This improves comprehension of subtle philosophical distinctions.
• Reading companion: Read short excerpts from Kierkegaard’s original works alongside modules, such as The Concept of Irony or Fear and Trembling. This grounds lectures in primary sources.
• Discussion partner: Find a study buddy to debate topics like ‘truth as subjectivity’ or the ethics of irony. Dialogue mimics Socratic method and deepens critical thinking.

Supplementary Resources

• Book: Read Walter Lowrie’s Kierkegaard’s View of Man to expand on themes of self and despair. It offers accessible commentary that complements the course’s approach.
• Tool: Use Coursera’s downloadable transcripts to annotate key passages on subjectivity and modernity. This supports close reading and review.
• Follow-up: Enroll in a course on Nietzsche or Camus to see how Kierkegaard’s existentialism evolved. This creates a clear lineage in modern thought.
• Reference: Keep a glossary of terms like ‘infinite resignation’ and ‘teleological suspension’ handy. This aids clarity when revisiting complex ideas.
• Podcast: Listen to Philosophize This! episodes on Kierkegaard to hear conversational explanations of his ideas. Audio reinforcement strengthens retention.
• Writing aid: Use free mind-mapping tools like MindMeister to diagram Kierkegaard’s arguments across pseudonyms. Visualizing structure improves comprehension.
• Historical context: Explore online archives from the University of Copenhagen on 19th-century Danish theology. This enriches understanding of Kierkegaard’s cultural environment.
• Primary text: Download public domain versions of Either/Or or Concluding Unscientific Postscript for direct engagement. Pairing with lectures deepens analysis.

Common Pitfalls

• Pitfall: Misinterpreting irony as mere sarcasm can lead to misunderstanding Kierkegaard’s method. Always consider the philosophical purpose behind ironic statements in context.
• Pitfall: Treating ‘truth is subjectivity’ as relativism ignores Kierkegaard’s emphasis on passionate commitment. Distinguish existential sincerity from postmodern uncertainty.
• Pitfall: Skipping reflection sections diminishes the course’s value, as personal engagement is central to Kierkegaard’s philosophy. Make time for introspection after each module.
• Pitfall: Assuming Hegelianism is fully explained may result in missing Kierkegaard’s critique. Seek additional summaries if the contrast isn’t clear.
• Pitfall: Viewing the ‘leap of faith’ as anti-reason overlooks its role in resolving paradox. Study how Kierkegaard balances reason and belief carefully.
• Pitfall: Focusing only on despair without seeing hope in faith distorts Kierkegaard’s message. Both are essential to his view of authentic existence.
• Pitfall: Relying solely on lectures without engaging primary texts limits depth. Supplement with short readings to experience Kierkegaard’s style firsthand.
• Pitfall: Treating modules as isolated topics misses the cumulative arc. Revisit earlier themes like irony when studying later ones like faith for coherence.

Time & Money ROI

• Time: Completing all eight modules takes approximately 8–10 hours, ideal for a weekend or two-week study plan. This fits busy schedules while allowing reflection.
• Cost-to-value: As a free course with optional certificate, the value is exceptional for depth and quality. Even paid access offers strong return for humanities learners.
• Certificate: The credential holds weight for personal development portfolios or philosophy-related applications. It signals engagement with complex existential ideas.
• Alternative: Skipping the course means missing structured, expert-led access to Kierkegaard’s core ideas. Self-study lacks the guided clarity this provides.
• Opportunity cost: Not enrolling delays engagement with ideas crucial to understanding modern identity and anxiety. The course addresses timeless human concerns effectively.
• Lifetime access: The ability to revisit lectures ensures long-term value, especially during personal crises. Philosophy becomes a living resource, not just academic content.
• Career relevance: For educators, writers, or therapists, the course enhances empathy and conceptual tools. It supports deeper work with meaning and authenticity.
• Personal ROI: The insights on self, faith, and modernity offer lasting personal growth, far exceeding the time invested. It’s a rare course that changes how one sees life.

Editorial Verdict

This course stands as one of the most thoughtful and accessible introductions to Kierkegaard available online. It succeeds not by simplifying his philosophy, but by honoring its complexity while making it approachable through clear structure and reflective design. The University of Copenhagen delivers a masterclass in how to teach dense, personal philosophy to a global audience. By anchoring abstract ideas in biography, irony, and existential urgency, it transforms what could be esoteric into something deeply human. The emphasis on subjectivity as truth ensures learners don’t just study Kierkegaard—they experience a version of his method firsthand.

Despite minor limitations in interactivity and pacing, the course’s strengths far outweigh its weaknesses. It offers a rare combination of intellectual rigor and personal resonance, especially for those grappling with questions of meaning in modern life. The lifetime access and certificate add practical value, but the real reward is internal: a sharper awareness of self, faith, and authenticity. For anyone curious about existentialism, theology, or the inner life, this course is not just educational—it’s transformative. It earns its high rating by delivering on its promise: a clear, moving encounter with one of philosophy’s most enduring voices.