Kierkegaard’s Stages of Existence and the Metaverse: The Soul Search of “Homo Virtualis” in the Digital World
Harun Serpil, Damla KaracaThis study delves into the philosophical exploration of existence, referred to as “homo virtualis,” and examines Danish theologian and philosopher Søren Kierkegaard’s three stages of existence by addressing the current challenges and societal transformations in today’s digital world. By applying Kierkegaard’s stages to the virtual realm, it elucidates various concepts (e.g., technology, the virtual universe, and the metaverse), while exploring the challenge of maintaining genuine existence among these influences, as seen through various characters such as Don Juan and Mephistopheles. In particular, it scrutinizes howindividuals today can navigate their existence without succumbing to the perceptual pitfalls, and delves into the psychological risks of being engrossed in the fast-paced and pleasure-centric axis of technological development. Moreover, it examines their relationship with others, self, and social media, highlighting the peril of a society that is increasingly avoiding profound contemplation and only seeking refuge in superficiality.We hope to enlighten and raise awareness of these issues through our analysis of the character of Mephisto.
Kierkegaard’ın Varoluş Evreleri ve Metaverse: Dijital Dünyada ‘Homo Virtualis’in İçsel Arayışı
Harun Serpil, Damla KaracaBu çalışmada, varoluş kavramı felsefi açıdan detaylı bir şekilde ele alınarak, varoluşun günümüzün gittikçe sanallaşan insanı açısından ne anlama geldiği incelenmektedir. Varoluş kavramı, insanın varoluşunu ve yaşamını anlamaya yönelik felsefi bir kavramdır. Bu çalışmada Kierkegaard’ın varoluş aşamaları günümüz perspektifinden ele alınarak, insanlığın karşı karşıya olduğu mevcut dijital sorunlar ve değişim süreci incelenmektedir. Kierkegaard’ın varoluş aşamaları ışığında fiziksel dünyada yaşanan varoluş süreçlerinin, metaverse sanal evreninde nasıl gerçekleştiği değerlendirilmekte ve özellikle estetik varoluş üzerinde durularak ve bireyin sanal dünyada estetik varoluşu Kierkegaard’ın betimlediği karakterler üzerinden haz kavramı temelinde tartışılmaktadır. Çalışmada, teknoloji, sanal evren, metaverse gibi kavramlar irdelenirken bu kavramlarla karşı karşıya kalan günümüz insanının varoluşunu algı tuzaklarına düşmeden ne ölçüde gerçekleştirebileceği Kierkegaard’ın Mefisto karakteri üzerinden ele alınmaktadır. Buna bağlı olarak teknolojinin gelişmesi ve varoluş kavramları ışığında, hız ve haz ekseninde konumlanan bir bireyin karşı karşıya olduğu psikolojik riskler, diğer insanlarla ilişkileri, kendisi ile olan ilişkisi, sosyal mecralar ile olan ilişkisi ele alınarak derin düşünmekten sürekli kaçınarak yüzeyselliğe ve hazzın büyüsüne sığınan insanlığın karşılaştığı tehlikeye dikkat çekilmektedir. Mefisto karakteri analizinin bu konularda hem aydınlatıcı hem de farkındalık yaratıcı olması amaçlanmaktadır.
The examination of human existence has long been a focal point within the philosophical discourse. In this regard, individuals experience life events and subsequently reflect on their evolving essence, thus assuming inherent responsibilities. These responsibilities, in turn, propel individuals toward existential nausea, a phenomenon in which the weight of one’s choices and obligations becomes palpable. Based on the framework of Danish theologian and philosopher Søren Kierkegaard, existence denotes the condition of being a distinct entity in deliberate actions and decision-making. Consequently, the human condition entails the potential for experiencing different states of nausea, due to the burdens of such responsibilities. Paradoxically, the desire to transcend existential nausea motivates individuals to determine their significance and purpose in the virtual world.
In essence, Kierkegaard’s perspective illuminates the delicate relationship between lived experience, personal responsibility, and the existential quest for meaning in both the physical and virtual dimensions of human existence. The fact that increasingly sophisticated technology is shaping our daily lives raises the question of how individuals can realize human existence in the metaverse, which is being promoted as a virtual paradise. According to Kierkegaard, while existence refers to making decisions through certain efforts, this universe produces quick decisions and avoids responsibilities by creating a perception that it facilitates life. This form of existence, which is pleasure-oriented and void of responsibilities, has significantly changed individual lives. This may also result in pure ego-centrism and bring individuals to the brink of mental issues such as narcissism. As Kierkegaard argued, when an individual only remains in the center, he/she becomes insensitive to others.
While a virtual paradise free from nausea is promised to individuals, it will eventually destroy the ability to make decisions and question life choices. In this regard, Kierkegaard proposed a philosophical framework that divides human existence into three stages:
1. Aesthetic Stage: In this initial stage, individuals are mainly driven by sensory pleasures, desires, and the pursuit of novelty and immediate gratification. However, Kierkegaard believed that such pursuit can ultimately lead to asense of emptiness and despair.
2. Ethical Stage: The second stage involves a transition toward a more principled and ethical way of life. Individuals in this stage tend to recognize the need for moral principles,
3. Religious Stage: According to Kierkegaard, this is the highest stage, in which individuals tend to find meaning and purpose through their relationship with God. Here, faith and spirituality become central to their existence. Kierkegaard also emphasized the importance of a personal, passionate relationship with God, as a source of true fulfillment.
Overall, Kierkegaard viewed these three stages as part of a personal and subjective journey that is not necessarily completed by everyone. He also suggested that individuals could “experience despair” if they fail to progress beyond the aesthetic stage or if they lack a genuine commitment to complete the latter two stages.
As for aesthetic existence, it characterizes today’s pleasure-driven individuals who are fixated on instant gratification, without any regard for the past or future. In this case, the metaverse, a digital realm that enables effortless existence through augmented reality, is fueling this focus on immediate pleasure. However, thismyopic pursuit will inevitably lead to dissatisfaction and objectification, mirroring Kierkegaard’s characters Don Juan, who endlessly chases desires, and Johannes, who seeks pleasure through intellectual allure and lives without responsibility. Meanwhile, Mephistopheles epitomizes this pursuit in the metaverse, offering a seemingly perfect life, while scheming to claim souls. As Kierkegaard posited, the illusion of happiness and pleasure in this pursuit generally enslaves individuals, alienating them from their true selves and ultimately resulting in despair and depression.
