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 outside of Danish philosophical circles, Moller (1794-1838) was, during his lifetime, esteemed as one of Denmarks most love 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 Mollers philosophy and also influenced his relation to Kierkegaard. The first was the destruction 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 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 contravention 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 openhearted and intelligent response. After Mollers death Kierkegaard cherished his memory and faithfully read his Posthumous Works when they were published in 1839-43. Kierkegaard also dedicated his book of account The Concept of Anxiety (1844) to Moller, with the following tributeTo the late Professor Poul Martin MollerThe happy lover of Greek culture, the admirer of Homer,the confidant of Socrates, the interpreter of Aristotle,Denmarks joy in Joy o ver Denmark, though widelytraveled always remembered in the Danish summer, the object of my profound admiration, my profound loss,this work 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 work by Moller that beyond all others influenced Kierkegaard was 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 Mollers most important contribution to philosophy in Denmark, and most notably for the young Kierkegaard, who was notoriously occupied with it.