Søren Kierkegaard (1813–1855)

Søren Kierkegaard, a Danish theologian and philosopher of existence, proposed concepts that have challenged not only philosophy and theology but also psychology, literary criticism, social political thought, the humanities, social sciences, fiction, institutions, and organizations. In particular, he focused on the human self and human existence, will, choice, subjective truth, commitment and responsibility, and meaning as ineradicable concrete dimensions of reality. His emphasis on subjective becoming finds expression in an open critique of process philosophy and still presents a challenge to organizations and organization studies. This chapter examines Kierkegaard’s relevance for process philosophy in an organizational setting by discussing his thought and selected writings. It considers important facets of Kierkegaard’s philosophy, his consummation of the Lutheran-Protestant tradition, and his lifelong existential critique of Hegelian philosophy. Finally, it analyses Kierkegaard’s influence on later thinkers who have close affinity to process philosophy.