Date
5-8-2009
Department
Communication
Degree
Master of Arts (MA)
Chair
Clifford W. Kelly
Primary Subject Area
Philosophy; Speech Communication; Theology
Keywords
Existence, Hamann, Indirect Communication, Kierkegaard, Language, Reason
Recommended Citation
Cates, Benjamin D., "Christianity and Communication: Kierkegaard, Hamann, and the Necessity of Indirect Communication" (2009). Masters Theses. 77.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/masters/77
Abstract
In 1849, Kierkegaard praised Hamann's dedication to written and spoken language as derived from the Divine Logos. This thesis examines Hamann and Kierkegaard in order to understand both thinkers' impact upon verbal and written communication. Hamann's dedication to the idea of communication as given graciously and solely by God is apparent in his authorship. Kierkegaard's model of indirect communication is ultimately one of Christian existence. Given the fact that Kierkegaard owed much to Hamann and was perhaps even led back to faith in God through his exhaustive reading of the German linguist, this thesis examines the possibility of a Hamannian impact upon Kierkegaard's conception of communication. The research question throughout this thesis is: What is Hamann's influence upon Kierkegaard's theory of indirect communication?
