Encountering and Integrating Kierkegaard's Absolute Paradox
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 9022142 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Kirk J Schneider (0000-0001-7152-2007, c/o Saybrook Institute, 1772 Vallejo St., San Francisco, CA 94123., corresponding author) |
| Year | 1986 |
| Volume | 26 |
| Issue | 3 |
| Pages | 62-80 |
| Publication date | 1986-07-01 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Journal of Humanistic Psychology (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0022-1678 • E-ISSN: 1552-650X |
| Publisher | SAGE Publishing (PUBLISHER • US) |
| DOI | 10.1177/0022167886263005 |
| OpenAlex | W2069567608 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 8 |
| References cited | 11 |
Kierkegaard's absolute paradox is proposed as the fundamental basis for a cohesive existential-phenomenological theory of perception. Absolute paradox is defined as a continuum of physical, intellectual, and emotional finitude (limitation) counterpoised by physical, intellectual, and emotional infinitude (freedom). After setting forth the tenets of this theory of paradox, the author explores its implications for the history of philosophical thought and individual and social psychology. In particular, he inquires as to why this paradox is so often denied and trivialized. He concludes that both philosophically and psychologically persons often fear paradox-even to a life-threatening degree-and therefore adopt polarized or extreme views. Finally, the author discusses integrated or balanced philosophical and psychological perspectives. He claims that such perspectives are possessed by persons who are able to encounter paradox and constructively transform what had once been denied or alien. The article is intended to reflect the spirit of Becker (1973), who urged that existential-phenomenological psychology (and in turn humanistic psychology) should strive to develop a more accessible, rigorous, and unified stance. Only the paradox comes anywhere near to comprehending the fullness of life.—Carl Jung
Absolute (philosophy · Epistemology · Existentialism · Humanism · Perception · Phenomenology (philosophy · Sociology · Kierkegaardian Philosophy and Influence · Paranormal Experiences and Beliefs · Philosophy · Psychology · Religious, Philosophical, and Educational Studies
Toward a psychology of being.
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Civilization and Its Discontents
Reductionism in the psychology of the Eighties
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Phenomenology of Perception
Stressful life events, personality, and health
Phenomenology and the Human Sciences
| Unique citing works | 8 |
|---|---|
| Citations per year | 0,21 |
| Citation span | 1987 - 2024 (38) |
| Citation velocity | recent |
| Highly cited | No |
| Citation types | Neutral: 8 |