Soren Kierkegaard: Denmark

The Giants of Philosophy

by George Connell, Charlton Heston, Wendy McElroy (Editor)

In The Giants of Philosophy collection, you'll survey 13 of the world's greatest philosophers (plus others who worked with or against them). You'll see how each philosopher created a complete and coherent system of thought, including their views on ethics, metaphysics, politics, and esthetics. You'll learn about their epistemology -- how we know what we know. And you'll learn how each thinker related to his times and to the work of other philosophers over the centuries.The sophisticated, complex, and subtle ideas of great philosophers are now available in a dramatized format that entertains and informs. Yet like all Knowledge Products productions, the full substance and content of these ideas are presented in clear and understandable language. Each presentation invites the intelligent listener to ponder the great ideas without struggling through an academic or simplified writing style.

Each presentation in The Giants of Philosophy is sensitively and intelligently narrated by Charlton Heston, one of America's most respected actors. Known for his rich voice and dramatic acting skills, Mr. Heston makes your journey through the history of philosophy both compelling and provocative.

Genres: Philosophy, Biography, Nonfiction, Audiobook, History, Religion, Theology

Audio Cassette

First published December 1, 1990

Reviews

[Seth]

Interesting but difficult account of Kierkegaard's Christian Existentialism, what it means to be a Christian and the idea of faith through an analysis of his own writings, autobiographies and his seminal works Either/Or and Fear and Trembling.

[Helle]

A brief look into the mind and major works of Søren Kierkegaard, the father of Christian existentialism, before I embark on his own much longer, and much murkier, writings. Dense and polemical, his ideas seem a far cry from the irreligious, pragmatic Denmark of today. (Read by Charlton Heston :-))

[Xavier]

There are some interesting ideas here but basing ones entire philosophy on the foundation of Christianity seems a bit limiting to me. Sure, Kierkegaard mostly wrote attacks and criticisms of the church but why not go beyond the entire dogma?

I especially appreciated these two ideas: That ethics exists above any "God". That if God created morality on their own, it would be arbitrary and not necessarily ethical.

The other idea being that the most pure love is that of the love of your neighbor. It is not the love of a partner, a family member, or a friend. The reason for this is that loving someone you know well and accept is to also be loving the part of yourself that you see in them. To love a neighbor, one you may not understand or agree with, takes the most strength and thus shows the true power of love to unite people who may differ wildly.

[Toni]

Favorite quote:

"Romantic love can be portrayed artistically very well in the moment; marital love cannot, for an ideal husband is not one who is ideal once in his life but one who is that every day. How then can marital love be adequately artistically represented? By living it." - Kierkegaard, Either/Or

[Casey]

Audible listen. Knowing nothing of Soren Kierkegaard I found this a fair introduction to his ideas. Second book I've listened to in this series. I'm finding them a pleasant intro to the ideas of each particular philosopher but I'm also starting from a complete lack of knowledge on the subjects. Will take a bit more study to get a sense of their real introductory value.

[Rod Naquin]

I love Kierkegaard and I love a brisk survey, tbqh, so this worked for me. Enjoyed how it walked through specific pivotal works like Either/Or. Also highly produced—Heston is interesting, and it’s almost dramatic at times. I think this is free through audible

[David]

This is an introduction to the life and thought of Soren Kierkegaard. I found it somewhat difficult to follow but I also know the philosophy is always hard for me to follow.

[Erika]

This is a nice introduction to Kierkegaard.

[Daniel]

Decent for a short summary of Kierkegaard but definitely a short summary.

[bimri]

Kierkegaard remains a true and tested apologist in my books. With that said, I believe he was also a talented writer and definitely at the pinnacle among philosophers on the same measure.

[Craig DiCecco]

Audiobook

[Brandon]

Interesting Christian philosopher.
While I am not a fidelist, I appreciate his awe of God and helping us remember that salvation is ultimately a Divine Miracle.

[Duke DeLaet]

The narrator is the best part

[Holly]

Charlton Heston is a good narrator. And this one is a much better overview than the 90 min series.

[Renato Bakanovas]

Audiolivro disponível sobre Kierkargaard passa uma boa noção geral sobre sua obra, abordando suas principais ideias como as três fases da vida, relacionamento interpessoal com Deus, liberdade e existência.

[Rob]

This may be the most entertaining brief introduction to Kierkegaard's life and thought. Charlton Heston narrates with his classic baritone voice but changes it entirely when he reads excerpts from Kierkegaard's diary (with a Danish accent) and from other works such as Either/Or, Fear and Trembling, and Concluding Unscientific Postscript. Each of Kierkegaard's characters gets a unique voice. This audiobook is as lively as it is informative. It's a welcoming gateway to a brilliant, engaging, challenging, and often misunderstood philosopher-theologian.

[Randy]

I have never delved into philosophy before and became interested in Kirkegaard through podcaster Jared Byas on the Bible for Normal People. I appreciated how the life, experiences, beliefs, and thoughts of Kirkegaard were presented. I am interested in further exploration of Kirkegaard.

[Alex Gaidai]

“Suppose there was a king who loved a humble maiden.”

The three existential stages or ways of life: the aesthetic, the ethical and religious.

[Parker Larson]

This is a brief look at the Danish philosopher's life and his Christian existentialism beliefs. This book is not rich with material, but provides a quick overview of Kierkegaard's eccentric ways and philosophic mind.

[Maxfield]

Excellent review of Kierkegaard.

[Kimball]

Some of his thoughts were annoying and others were neat. It didn't say, but I wonder how much regret he had for not marrying his betrothed. That's just something that can't be easily set aside.

[Henrik]

Very quick overview of Kirkegaard's life. He sure was an impressive guy ....

[Sam Motes]

Quick read but pretty good depth on Kierkegaard's contributions to the field.

[Nishant]

I believe that my way of thinking does match his. Some of the philosophies and his way of working made me over zealously delighted. Brilliant.