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

Kierkegaard and P.M. Moller on Immortality P.M. Moller and His Relation to S.A. Kierkegaard Although virtually unknown today outside of Danish philosophical circles, Moller (1794-1838) was, during his lifetime, esteemed as one of Denmark’s most loved poets, and beginning in 1831 he held the position of professor of philosophy 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 young professor made a deep impression upon him. During 1834-36 two events occurred that transformed Moller’s philosophy and also influenced his relation to Kierkegaard. The first was the death of Moller’s wife in 1834, which caused him to question the adequacy of Hegel’s system. The second was the publication of some articles by Kierkegaard in 1836 in a journal called Copenhagen’s Flying Post. In these articles Kierkegaard attacked Orla Lehmann, the young leader of the liberal student movement. This attack pleased the conservative Moller, and the two 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 sympathetic and intelligent respon se. After Moller’s death Kierkegaard cherished his memory and faithfully read his Posthumous Works when they were published in 1839-43. Kierkegaard also dedicated his book The Concept of Anxiety (1844) to Moller, with the following tribute: To the late Professor Poul Martin Moller The happy lover of Greek culture, the admirer of Homer, the confidant of Socrates, the interpreter of Aristotle, Denmark’s joy in â€Å"Joy over Denmark,† though â€Å"widely traveled† always â€Å"remembered in the Danish summer,† the object of my profound admiration, my profound loss, this work is dedicated. This dedication should illustrate, if not Kierkegaard’s indebtedness to Professor Moller, then at least his unyielding affection. Moller’s Reflections on Philosophical Systems and Personal Immortality The work by Moller that beyond all others influenced Kierkegaard was â€Å"Thoughts on the Possibility of Proofs of the Immortality of Human Beings With Reference to the Most Recent Literature on the Subject.† H.P. Rhode stresses that it was this work on immortality that was Moller’s most important contribution to philosophy in Denmark, and most notably for the young Kierkegaard, who was â€Å"notoriously occupied† with it.