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Full Idea
The story of Abraham (and Isaac) contains a teleological suspension of the ethical. ...In his action he overstepped the ethical altogether, and had a higher idea outside it, in relation to which he suspended it.
Clarification
Abraham was willing to kill his son Isaac, in obedience to God. It is 'teleological' because it has a higher purpose.
Gist of Idea
Abraham was willing to suspend ethics, for a higher idea
Source
Søren Kierkegaard (Fear and Trembling [1843], Prob I)
Book Ref
Kierkegaard,Søren: 'Fear and Trembling', ed/tr. Hannay,Alastair [Penguin 1985], p.88
A Reaction
My immediate response is to find this proposal very sinister. I can't remotely understand what Abraham's (or God's) 'higher' idea could be that could justify this crime. Maybe ethics is suspended if you are on the beach and a tidal wave arrives?
16006 | Either Abraham rises higher than universal ethics, or he is a mere murderer [Kierkegaard] |
7577 | Abraham was willing to suspend ethics, for a higher idea [Kierkegaard] |