Existentialist Philosophies of Anxiety: A Comparative Exploration of Kierkegaard and Heidegger

This academic essay delves into the intricate realm of existentialist philosophies concerning anxiety, examining the perspectives of two towering figures in philosophy: Sren Kierkegaard and Martin Heidegger. Both of these existential philosophers have made a big deal out of the concept of anxiety and have a considerable understanding of it. From a particular perspective, it is possible that Heidegger drew on Kierkegaard's interpretation of the concept of anxiety. The objective of this analysis is to comprehensively scrutinize the philosophical underpinnings of anxiety, exploring how these thinkers conceived it in the context of the human experience. Furthermore, this essay examines the religious backgrounds of Kierkegaard and Heidegger, shedding light on the profound influence of their respective religious upbringings on their philosophical interpretations of anxiety. As contemporary society grapples with a multitude of anxieties, the insights of these philosophers remain pertinent, providing valuable perspectives on the nature of anxiety, freedom, and human existence. The essay also critiques part of modern psychological approaches to anxiety, revealing the enduring relevance of existentialist thought.