Journal of Undergraduate Research
Keywords
Kierkegaard, therapeutic, agency, psychotherapy, human conduct
College
Humanities
Department
Philosophy
Abstract
Kierkegaard, the Danish, Christian, Existentialist of the 19th century is not only a philosopher, but also a psychologist. Kierkegaard’s interactions and responses to his audiences reveal a complex view of human freedom or agency that has far-reaching implications for psychotherapy. The assumptions about what it means to be a human being associated with this view differ radically from the traditionally naturalistic assumptions of psychology, which include ideas such as determinism and hedonism.1 Moreover, he does not restrict himself to writing about human conduct; he intends his writing to intervene therapeutically into the life of the reader in order to invite him or her to act as an agent, without evading responsibility for himself or herself. Thus, Kierkegaard’s interaction with his readers can be considered an alternative therapeutic model to traditional and naturalistic therapeutic approaches.2
Recommended Citation
Bentley, Brooke and Warner, Dr. C. Terry
(2014)
"The Kierkegaardian Intervention: An Alternative Therapeutic Approach Emphasizing Agency,"
Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2014:
Iss.
1, Article 694.
Available at:
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2014/iss1/694