Tremology

Abstract

With this neologism, I aim to raise some questions and propose some answers about the idea of trembling. To begin with, I must point out that, in my knowledge, there is of yet no systematic study available in the form of a book or extensive article, because the notion of trembling is so evasive and in most of the cases has been absorbed by other, more robust concepts, such as ‘spirit’, ‘enthusiasm’ and some others related to religious or psychological studies. However, ‘tremology’ is the fundamental ‘ingredient’, a powerful moment when a subject undergoes an inexplicable and uncontrollable precipitation that will transform its inner ‘chemistry’ for ever. There is then no surprise that from the Homeric to modern times all heroic characters emerge though moments of negotiation between fear and bravery. In a more concrete way, then, in this article we are going to examine various situations where ‘tremology’ is involved. There will be references to the philosophical context where, in particular, Hegel will be mentioned; then modern Greek poetry will be examined with a particular reference to Kalvos, Solomos and Cavafis; and finally this paper will focus on the significant work of Kierkegaard, 

Fear and Trembling, through which we will explore some of the most interesting issues regarding fear and religion.