Description
Kierkegaard is a fascinating author. Living shortly after the dawn of modernity in the Enlightenment, he restates classical Christianity in dynamic fashion. His Lutheran heritage is vital here as he places 'faith' over against 'reason'. Yet Kierkegaard also holds decidedly pre-modern epistemological presuppositions that are supportive of his endeavour. After an initial chapter on Kierkegaard's intellectual milieu, the book expounds with reference to their philosophical and historical context seven of his major texts, ranging over theological, ethical, social and political questions. A final chapter considers Kierkegaard as a person and concludes with an evaluation of the authorship. The book does not however simply depict Kierkegaard. In the 'Critique' with which each chapter concludes Hampson carries on a lively debate with Kierkegaard. Questions range from his indifference to biblical historical criticism, to his lack of recognition of causality and the regularity of nature, and his a-political outlook. Whatever one's theological judgement, Kierkegaard has insights that are abiding; into the nature of the self, the importance of the category of the individual, and the need to accord dignity to each. Quoted extensively in this book, Kierkegaard, a writer of distinction, enthrals the reader with his flair, wit and never failing perspicacity. A provocative and original book, while accessible to those approaching these texts for the first time, it should also be of interest to the seasoned Kierkegaard scholar, illuminating as has no previous work the importance of comprehending the structure of Lutheran faith for grasping Kierkegaard's thought.
About the Author
Daphne Hampson holds doctorates in history from Oxford, in theology from Harvard, and a master's in Continental Philosophy from Warwick. The author of Christian Contradictions: The Structures of Lutheran and Catholic Thought, she has for many years engaged with the Lutheran tradition, in particular the work of Kierkegaard. She has lectured widely, in the UK, Continental Europe, and North America. Professor Emerita of Divinity at the University of St Andrews where she held a chair in Post Christian Thought, and a life member of Clare Hall, Cambridge, Daphne lives and works in Oxford where she is an Associate of the Faculty of Theology and Religion.
Reviews
With her very engaging style, and commitment to honest and open dialogue with subject and reader alike, Hampson is never dull. * John Saxbee, Church Times *
Placed in his Lutheran context (instead of air-lifted up into 'philosophy') the Dane is beguiling once more. * Oxford Today *
This book is not only a fitting tribute to Kierkegaard and an absorbing and stimulating introduction to his work, but, in its breadth on learning and wisdom, reflects the spirit of the man himself. * Susan Halstead, Curator of Czech, Slovak, and Lusatian Studies at the British Library *
[R]eaders searching for a general introduction to some of the Lutheran aspects of Kierkegaard's most celebrated writings will find a welcome companion with Daphne Hampson. * Church of England Newspaper *
Functioning on different levels, this book will have a broad appeal to many different kinds of reader. Hampson wonderfully orchestrates a critical dialogue with Kierkegaard in a way that provides ample demonstration of the importance of his thought today. This highly readable work represents a valuable contribution to Kierkegaard studies. * Jon Stewart, Associate Research Professor, Soren Kierkegaard Research Centre, Copenhagen *
A marvel of scholarship. Hampson is one of the few interpreters of Kierkegaard able to take account of both the philosophical and theological backdrop of Kierkegaards thought. Clear, comprehensive, and elegantly written, one of the book's most important merits is the success Hampson enjoys in locating Kierkegaard within his own Lutheran tradition. * Gordon Marino, Professor of philosophy; Director, Hong Kierkegaard Library, St Olaf's College *
A delightful and powerful new book on Kierkegaard. Acknowledging his radical conservatism, insisting against Kierkegaard on the need for collective responses to social injustice, Hampson nonetheless writes in a spirit of critical friendship. Combining a forthright accessible style with real scholarship and familiarity with Kierkegaard's personal, intellectual and spiritual struggles, she brings him vividly to life for our time. * David Wood, Professor of philosophy, Vanderbilt University *
Setting Kierkegaard in his intellectual context, this book guides readers through the key texts, identifying and debating the questions they provoke. Hampson has inspired many students to engage with this most demanding of writers. Her book will both attract new readers and serve as a stimulating refresher to those familiar with Kierkegaard's writings. * George Pattison, Lady Margaret Professor of Divinity, Oxford University *
Hampson writes accessibly when situating and contrasting Kierkgaard amid the flux of the history of ideas. * Joshua Furnal, Church of England Newspaper *
Book Information
ISBN 9780199673230
Author Daphne Hampson
Format Hardback
Page Count 360
Imprint Oxford University Press
Publisher Oxford University Press
Weight(grams) 570g
Dimensions(mm) 221mm * 148mm * 25mm
About the Author
Daphne Hampson holds doctorates in history from Oxford, in theology from Harvard, and a master's in Continental Philosophy from Warwick. The author of Christian Contradictions: The Structures of Lutheran and Catholic Thought, she has for many years engaged with the Lutheran tradition, in particular the work of Kierkegaard. She has lectured widely, in the UK, Continental Europe, and North America. Professor Emerita of Divinity at the University of St Andrews where she held a chair in Post Christian Thought, and a life member of Clare Hall, Cambridge, Daphne lives and works in Oxford where she is an Associate of the Faculty of Theology and Religion.
Reviews
With her very engaging style, and commitment to honest and open dialogue with subject and reader alike, Hampson is never dull. * John Saxbee, Church Times *
Placed in his Lutheran context (instead of air-lifted up into 'philosophy') the Dane is beguiling once more. * Oxford Today *
This book is not only a fitting tribute to Kierkegaard and an absorbing and stimulating introduction to his work, but, in its breadth on learning and wisdom, reflects the spirit of the man himself. * Susan Halstead, Curator of Czech, Slovak, and Lusatian Studies at the British Library *
[R]eaders searching for a general introduction to some of the Lutheran aspects of Kierkegaard's most celebrated writings will find a welcome companion with Daphne Hampson. * Church of England Newspaper *
Functioning on different levels, this book will have a broad appeal to many different kinds of reader. Hampson wonderfully orchestrates a critical dialogue with Kierkegaard in a way that provides ample demonstration of the importance of his thought today. This highly readable work represents a valuable contribution to Kierkegaard studies. * Jon Stewart, Associate Research Professor, Soren Kierkegaard Research Centre, Copenhagen *
A marvel of scholarship. Hampson is one of the few interpreters of Kierkegaard able to take account of both the philosophical and theological backdrop of Kierkegaards thought. Clear, comprehensive, and elegantly written, one of the book's most important merits is the success Hampson enjoys in locating Kierkegaard within his own Lutheran tradition. * Gordon Marino, Professor of philosophy; Director, Hong Kierkegaard Library, St Olaf's College *
A delightful and powerful new book on Kierkegaard. Acknowledging his radical conservatism, insisting against Kierkegaard on the need for collective responses to social injustice, Hampson nonetheless writes in a spirit of critical friendship. Combining a forthright accessible style with real scholarship and familiarity with Kierkegaard's personal, intellectual and spiritual struggles, she brings him vividly to life for our time. * David Wood, Professor of philosophy, Vanderbilt University *
Setting Kierkegaard in his intellectual context, this book guides readers through the key texts, identifying and debating the questions they provoke. Hampson has inspired many students to engage with this most demanding of writers. Her book will both attract new readers and serve as a stimulating refresher to those familiar with Kierkegaard's writings. * George Pattison, Lady Margaret Professor of Divinity, Oxford University *
Hampson writes accessibly when situating and contrasting Kierkgaard amid the flux of the history of ideas. * Joshua Furnal, Church of England Newspaper *
Book Information
ISBN 9780199673230
Author Daphne Hampson
Format Hardback
Page Count 360
Imprint Oxford University Press
Publisher Oxford University Press
Weight(grams) 570g
Dimensions(mm) 221mm * 148mm * 25mm
