Kierkegaard and P.M. Moller on Immortality :: Essays Papers

Kierkegaard and P.M. Moller on ImmortalityP.M. Moller and His Relation to S.A. KierkegaardAlthough virtually unknown today outdoors of Danish philosophic circles, Moller (1794-1838) was, during his lifetime, esteemed as one of Denmarks virtually loved poets, and beginning in 1831 he held the position of professor of school of thought at the University of Denmark. While at the university Moller taught Moral and Greek Philosophy, and his early philosophical position has been regarded as Hegelian. Kierkegaard began his university studies in 1830, and the green professor made a deep impression upon him.During 1834-36 dickens events occurred that transformed Mollers philosophy and alike influenced his relation to Kierkegaard. The first was the death of Mollers wife in 1834, which caused him to straits the adequacy of Hegels system. The second was the publication of some articles by Kierkegaard in 1836 in a journal called Copenhagens Flying Post. In these articles Kierkegaard attac ked Orla Lehmann, the young leader of the liberal student movement. This attack pleased the conservative Moller, and the devil developed a deep friendship. Despite the nineteen-year difference in their ages, the two shared similar views regarding Danish politics, a growing distrust of the Hegelian system, and a concern about the state of the Danish clergy. With the death of Moller in 1838, at the age of forty-four, Kierkegaard lost his nearest congenial friend, the person with whom, above all others, he could discuss freely his ideas and receive a humane and intelligent response. After Mollers death Kierkegaard cherished his memory and dependably read his Posthumous Works when they were published in 1839-43. Kierkegaard also sacred his book The Concept of Anxiety (1844) to Moller, with the following tributeTo the late prof Poul Martin MollerThe happy lover of Greek culture, the admirer of Homer,the confidant of Socrates, the interpreter of Aristotle,Denmarks joy in Joy over Denm ark, though widely traveled always remembered in the Danish summer, the object of my profound admiration, my profound loss,this playact is dedicated.This dedication should illustrate, if not Kierkegaards indebtedness to Professor Moller, then at least his unyielding affection.Mollers Reflections on Philosophical Systems and Personal ImmortalityThe consort by Moller that beyond all others influenced Kierkegaard was Thoughts on the Possibility of Proofs of the Immortality of Human Beings With theatrical role to the Most Recent Literature on the Subject. H.P. Rhode stresses that it was this work on immortality that was Mollers most important contribution to philosophy in Denmark, and most notably for the young Kierkegaard, who was notoriously occupied with it.