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Søren Kierkegaard was born in his father Michael's Copenhagen house in what decade?

1810s. Kierkegaard was born on May 5, 1813 and lived until November 11, 1855.

The surname "Kierkegaard" means what in Old Danish?

Churchyard. Interestingly enough, before Søren had turned 21, 4 of his 6 siblings and his mother Anne had died, necessitating numerous trips to the graveyard.

Kierkegaard studied at the University of Copenhagen. Per his father's urging, in what subject did Søren matriculate?

Theology. He studied at the university for 10 years before passing his exams and writing his dissertation "On the Concept of Irony: With Constant Reference to Socrates."

Two weeks after breaking off his engagement to Regine Olson, Kierkegaard began writing which of the following works, his only market success?

Either/Or. He wrote 'Either/Or' and 'Two Upbuilding Discourses' while taking 5 courses, over the period of 4 months. 'Either/Or' went through two printings. Regine Olson, on the other hand, married her former instructor and went to the Danish West Indies.

Why did Kierkegaard dislike Hegel?

Hegel believed that a person is defined by what they do, not by their intrinsic value. While Hegel believed that the individual is merely a cog in the machine of life, Kierkegaard couldn't stress enough the importance of each person. This is elucidated in 'Fear and Trembling' with the depiction of The Knight of Faith, who appears ordinary yet possesses an amazing genius. Kierkegaard also disliked Hegel's take on religion.

Which of these is NOT a pseudonym used by Kierkegaard?

Johannes Heiberg. Every book written by Kierkegaard is published under an assumed name. Hilarius Bookbinder is the "editor and publisher" of 'Stages on Life's Way'. Victor Eremita, the "victorious hermit," is the editor of 'Either/Or'. Frater Taciturnus, the "silent brother," wrote the third part of 'Stages'.

Which of the stages of life is "characterized by seriousness and consistency of moral choices"?

Ethical. Quote is from the book 'Sophie's World', by Jostein Gaarder. The whole text can be found online at http://www.sophies-world.com/SophieText/

To Kierkegaard, would an esthete be a hedonist?

y. A person living in the esthetic stage essentially believes that "if it feels good, do it" (Kierkegaard didn't phrase it quite that way).

What is the "sickness unto death"?

Despair. Despair, according to Kierkegaard, is a condition every person is in whether they know it or not - and the solution is Christianity. He also believed sin was a stronger form of despair.

Where did Kierkegaard get the phrase "fear and trembling"?

The New Testament. "Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling." Philippians 2: 12-15