PHIL 367 Lecture : PHIL 367 - Lecture (Mar. 5th)
Document Summary
The system is logically possible, but fraught with difficulties. An existential system is not possible for humanity. It does exist, but humanity can neither observe nor grasp it. This is because any existential system is a completed whole, but existence is never completed. We"re always on the way. systematic thought must think of existence as mediated, finished, redundant, and this is not existence. It is precisely because humanity is an unfinished striving that we can never grasp the goal of striving with any finality. Therefore, it is impossible for the systematic philosopher to look back on his existential system, because he is still in existence. That is why the systematic philosopher is ridiculous. Thus, the system is both the completion and the elimination of life itself. Or the philosopher thinks some quantitative transition is possible from the finite to the infinite. All of these are ridiculous and impossible, according to kierkegaard.