International Journal of Philosophy 2014; 2(1): 1-14 Published online April 10, 2014 (http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/j/ijp) doi: 10.11648/j.ijp.20140201.11 Nature of human existence in Kierkegaard’s ethical philosophy: A step towards self-valuation and transformation in our contemporary world Valentine Ehichioya Obinyan Department of Philosophy, Faculty of Arts, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria Email address:
[email protected] To cite this article: Valentine Ehichioya Obinyan. Nature of Human Existence in Kierkegaard’s Ethical Philosophy: A Step towards Self-Valuation and Transformation in Our Contemporary World. International Journal of Philosophy. Vol. 2, No. 1, 2014, pp. 1-14. doi: 10.11648/j.ijp.20140201.11 Abstract: Man as an existent in the world, is an individual substance of a rational nature hence in his becomingness, his unique self-conscious actions are imperatives of what he becomes. Thus to take subjectivity from human nature and reduce it to abstract objectivity and systemization as Hegel did, is to relegate to a background the importance, uniqueness and individuality of the human person as a being in the world. Kierkegaard refutes Hegel’s objectivity with subjectivity and its analysis and relevance to understanding the nature of human existence for the singular purpose of self-valuation and transformation in our contemporary world, is the onus of this study. However, certain questions abound; what is subjectivity and human existence in Kierkegaard ethical philosophy? What life experiences