Individuality and Equality of Others in Kierkegaard's Works of Love

Abstract

Kierkegaard emphasizes a division between neighbor love, which is directed at everyone equally, and preferential love, which is a love for a specific person founded in preferable characteristics that distinguish them from others. On the other hand, he insists that to love a neighbor is to love the individuality of others. Although his claim seems to be contradicting, the concept of “the individual (det Enkelte)” connects the individuality of others to the equality of every human. This article aims to clarify that there are two characteristics of others in Kierkegaard's works. One concerns the individuality given by God; the other concerns the individuality dissimilarly produced through comparisons with other people. The paper also argues that neighbor love is not based on a love of others because of dissimilarities but it is founded in others' individuality. Some commentators have regarded the equality of neighbor love as inclusive, stressing that neighbor love encompasses everyone as the object of love, even if those in need for help are displeasing. This commentary is not wrong. However, it blurs the difference between the equality of neighbor love and the equality of earthly concern. If practicing neighbor love means loving others with their individuality, accepting the equality of neighbor love means isolating each individual in forming any party with others.