The Aesthetic is Kierkegaard's thought is the
first part of his three stages of life or three spheres of existence. Kierkegaard defines the aesthetic as an
essentially hedonistic way of life. In aesthetics Kierkegaard does not mean
fine arts or even beauty. He appeals to the ancient origin of the words
according to which aesthetic is everything which is perceived by the senses.
The aesthetic in Kierkegaard's view, therefore, is everything which has to do
with the senses, especially their pleasure.
The aesthetic for Kierkegaard has several
levels, ranging from sexual lust to the passion of enjoying the arts. The
aesthetic person lives in material life and does not attempt to transcend them.
He seeks no awareness or reflection
of his human condition. Aesthetics does not involve morals (the ethical) nor faith (the religious).
The only guideline of the aesthetic person in Kierkegaard's view is his own
gratification of physical needs, reminiscent of Freud's "Pleasure Principle". Aesthetic
decisions are made according to urges with no broader context, and without any
moral "good" or "bad".
The Aesthetic for Kierkegaard is lowest form of
human life, under the higher ethical
and religious life of faith.
For a broader discussion see our article on Kierkegaard: The Aesthetic, Ethical and Religious or our summary of Fear and Trembling.
