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Single Idea 16006

[catalogued under 28. God / A. Divine Nature / 6. Divine Morality / a. Divine morality]

Full Idea

Either Abraham was a murderer, or we confront a paradox higher than all mediation. His story therefore contains the teleological suspension of the ethical, and he becomes higher than the universal. If not, he is not a tragic hero or the father of faith.

Clarification

'Teleology' concerns ultimate purposes

Gist of Idea

Either Abraham rises higher than universal ethics, or he is a mere murderer

Source

Søren Kierkegaard (Fear and Trembling [1843], p.49)

Book Reference

Kierkegaard,Søren: 'Fear and Trembling', ed/tr. Hannay,Alastair [Penguin 1985], p.49


A Reaction

A nice dilemma for Christian thinkers who want to reconcile reason and morality with religion. [SY]