Kierkegaard publishes The Concept of Anxiety

Publication Context. In 1844, Kierkegaard published several pseudonymous works, including Philosophical Fragments, Prefaces, and The Concept of Anxiety. The latter was written under the name Vigilius Haufniensis, a pseudonym interpreted as 'the Watchman' of Copenhagen. Kierkegaard's use of varied pseudonyms has sometimes drawn criticism for playing with different viewpoints without committing to one in particular.

Thematic Focus. The Concept of Anxiety is a philosophical work that explores the concept of anxiety in relation to human freedom, original sin, and existential choice. It is described as a simple psychologically orienting deliberation on the dogmatic issue of hereditary sin, reflecting Kierkegaard's interest in psychological and theological themes.

Vigilius Haufniensis. The work was authored under the pseudonym Vigilius Haufniensis. According to Josiah Thompson, this name is the Latin transcription for 'the Watchman' of Copenhagen. Kierkegaard used this persona to present the text, which was published on the same date as Prefaces, another pseudonymous work from 1844.