He Said, She Said: Søren Kierkegaard and Simone De Beauvoir's Divergence on Existentialism and Feminism's Role in Abortion
He Said, She Said: Søren Kierkegaard and Simone De Beauvoir's Divergence on Existentialism and Feminism's Role in Abortion
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2023-12
Authors
Ibrahim, Gina
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University Honors College, Middle Tennessee State University
Abstract
In an attempt to strengthen the right to privacy regarding abortion as
outlined in Roe (1973), Casey (1992) significantly eroded its core principles.
Ultimately, the recent Dobbs (2022) decision overruled both cases. While both
Søren Kierkegaard and Simone de Beauvoir were existentialist philosophers, their
writings diverge when applied to Dobbs (2022). Although initial examination of
Kierkegaard’s consistent push towards human subjectivity and personal choice
leans toward a legitimate right to privacy, further analysis shows that he viewed
women as incapable of making decisions regarding abortion. Women are likely to
remain within the aesthetic arena, and valid choices are only made within the
ethical stage. So, the immediate choices they make in the aesthetic are null and
void. De Beauvoir decried such a perspective on women. She critiqued women’s
otherness relative to men in society, pushed for female autonomy, and rejected
gender norms. When their philosophies are applied to the majority, concurring,
and dissenting opinions in Dobbs (2022), they arrive at different conclusions.