Joshy Pazhukkathara

Paper: Reclamation of the Feminine Genius Beyond Misogyny: A Heuristic Reading Of Søren Kierkegaard

Abstract 

Kierkegaard’scontribution to feminist thinking is a much debated issue as his writings depict women both beautifully and spitefully at the same time. On the one hand,a few scholars argue that his views are blatantly misogynic, and on the other, some argue that his views are redeeming. In the view of the latter, Kierkegaardian thoughts surpass the abstract patriarchal ethics to an ethics of relation or ethics of care. Our argument is that though one may detect many lines of misogyny in his writings, they can be seen compensated through the insightful lines he writes about women. His insights on feminine qualities and her role in human and religious life can only be an outcome of one who loves and admires them. In this paper I examine his transitions from misogyny to reclamation through a heuristic re-reading of Kierkegaardian thinking, and contribute to women’s voice for their personal identity and appropriation of feminine genius in society and religion. This paper is divided into three parts. In the first part we analyze the dynamics and merits of heuristic reading, which opens the way for a constructive reading of the misogynistic writings of Kierkegaard in the second part, andin the third part we see how a heuristic reading may contribute towards the reclamation of the feminine genius and the up-building of a just and compassionate society beyond the gender divide of the patriarchal categories.

Joshy Pazhukkathara, Lecturer of Theology at Samanvaya Mission Theologate, Jagdalpur, holds a Licentiate in Philosophy from DVK and doctorate in systematic theology from the Catholic University of Leuven, Belgium. He engages in teaching and guidance in various educational institutions and seminaries, writes articles in periodicals and books, and presents papers in seminars and symposiums. His area of specialization includes Christology, Trinity, Phenomenology, Liturgy and Sacraments.