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 at once outside of Danish philosophical circles, Moller (1794-1838) was, during his lifetime, esteemed as one of Denmarks close to loved poets, and beginning in 1831 he held the position of professor of doctrine at the University of Denmark. While at the university Moller taught Moral and Greek Philosophy, and his earlier philosophical position has been regarded as Hegelian. Kierkegaard began his university studies in 1830, and the young professor make a deep impression upon him.During 1834-36 two events occurred that transformed Mollers philosophy and withal influenced his relation to Kierkegaard. The first was the last of Mollers wife in 1834, which caused him to question 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 attacked Orla Le hmann, the young leader of the liberal student movement. This attack pleased the nonprogressive 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 suspiciousness 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 response. After Mollers death Kierkegaard cherished his stock 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 tributeTo the novel Professor Poul Martin MollerThe happy lover of Greek culture, the admirer of Homer,the confidant of Socrates, the translating program of Aristotle,Denmarks jo y in Joy over Denmark, though astraytraveled always remembered in the Danish summer, the object of my intricate admiration, my profound loss,this work is dedicated.This dedication should illustrate, if not Kierkegaards indebtedness to Professor Moller, past at least his unyielding affection.Mollers Reflections on Philosophical Systems and in-person ImmortalityThe work by Moller that beyond all others influenced Kierkegaard was Thoughts on the Possibility of Proofs of the Immortality of charitable Beings With Reference 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.