Kierkegaard and Plantinga: subjectivity and belief in God

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to present a discussion of the issue of subjectivity as an important factor for the affirmation of religious belief in both the work of Kierkegaard and Plantinga. Despite some conceptual differences, we conclude that both authors are not interested in proving God’s existence, but rather focus on experience as a central factor. In addition, for both authors, and the C hristian tradition in general, the subjectivity is fundamental to the affirmation of belief. In Kierkegaard the concept is the affirmation of faith as absurd. In Plantinga’s assertion “basical belief” makes room for the relationship of experience and expands the debate about belief, reaffirming its critical position to the foundations of modernity. Thus, from some specific approaches, we seek to establish a dialogue that, despite essential differences between the two authors, above all the theme of the absurdity of faith and Kierkegaard’s emphasis on faith as something passionate, can point out to a fruitful debate.