Understanding Kierkegaard through Pixar
Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard was eagerly interested in the existence of human life. More than anything he wanted to find “an Idea for which he could live and die”. That brought him into subjects such as anxiety, despair, duty, responsibility, sacrifice, love, death and ultimately the concept and possible existence of God.
In this subject we are not gonna waste our lives studying history, dates and facts. We are on a quest for Truth, Honesty and existential epiphanies. And we will do that by shifting between the original texts of Søren Kierkegaard and carefully selected movies from Pixar and Disney. In this way, the storyline of the movie will help us understand the philosophy of Kierkegaard. And vice versa: By using the philosophy of Kierkegaard you will see the movies of your childhood in a deeper perspective than you ever imagined.
Kierkegaard is famous for his three archtypes: the Aestetic, the Ethical, and the Religious. By the end of the subject, you will be able to master these three perspectives on life, using it to understand yourself and the existential dilemmas you run into.
Philosophy is no easy matter. You have to practice. Just like you would do in sports. That’s why we will start doing philosophical exercises every week. And practice might actually make perfect.
Teacher
www.christianhjortkjaer.dkChristian Hjortkjær
Teacher // Student Counselor
