From the Individual to the Institution to the Individual: A Tribute to Julia Watkin's Contribution to Kierkegaard's Philosophical Reception in Australia

Abstract

Kierkegaard's philosophical reception in Australia has been slow and piecemeal. It has been retarded by an antipathetic context of reception. Even the modest level of publication, teaching, and organization of events about Kierkegaard's work has been achieved by the efforts of a few individuals, rather than by institutional structures. This situation may be on the brink of changing, thanks largely to the efforts of the late Dr Julia Watkin. Her efforts have been paramount in establishing a bridge between mere individual interest and the institutional structures which will contribute to ongoing renewal of interest in Australia in Kierkegaard's work. In order to appreciate Julia's contribution to this process, we need to understand the obstacles faced in Australia to Kierkegaard reception. We also need to survey the potential institutional receptors for work in the areas of philosophy of religion, Continental philosophy, philosophical psychology and critical theology. For logistical purposes I will confine this study to Kierkegaard's philosophical reception in Australia and will examine the following surfaces of emergence of Kierkegaard's work in Australia: (i) academic appointments in philosophy at Australian universities; (ii) Australian philosophy journals; (iii) philosophy conferences in Australia; and (iv) other Kierkegaard resources, including societies, research networks, and special events. For the sake of brevity, I will use representative examples only of publications in Australia on Kierkegaard, and omit discussion of international publications by Australian authors.