Dr. Cassandre Caballero

Biography

Cassandre Caballero is a PhD fellow at the Søren Kierkegaard Research Centre, University of Copenhagen. Her dissertation explores the intricate relationship between Søren Kierkegaard’s philosophy and T.W. Adorno's perspective on despair, suffering, and the erotic dimension of love. She examines Kierkegaard's notion of self-love which contends that individuals are condemned to lose their blissful immediacy and ultimately fall into despair. Through an existential lens, Caballero posits that finding reconciliation becomes essential. In her work, particularly the book 'Works of Love,' Kierkegaard reframes love as an ethical-religious task, representing an existential struggle where God serves as an intermediary between the lover and the beloved. Furthermore, Caballero analyzes how Adorno engages with Kierkegaard, interpreting the task of reconciliation as a means to remedy despair, especially in the context of erotic loves. Despite his critical stance, Adorno maintains a dialogue with Kierkegaard's aesthetic theories, contemplating themes such as inverse theology and materialistic theology, which are crucial in understanding the requirement of despair that compels desire. Through her research, she contributes valuable insights into the philosophical discourse surrounding love and ethics as framed by these pivotal figures.

Research Interests

Experience