Existentialism

Definition

Existentialism is a philosophical movement that emphasizes individual existence, freedom, and choice. It argues that people create their own meaning and essence through their actions and decisions, rather than relying on predetermined values or societal norms. This perspective often explores themes of alienation, absurdity, and the search for authenticity in a world that can seem chaotic and indifferent.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Existentialism gained prominence in the early 20th century, with notable figures such as Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, and Albert Camus contributing significantly to its development.
2. The philosophy often arose as a reaction against traditional philosophical systems that emphasized rationality and objective truths, focusing instead on subjective human experience.
3. Existentialists frequently examine the struggles of individuals in a post-war context, reflecting feelings of disillusionment and despair after events like World War I and World War II.
4. Literature from this movement often features characters who confront existential dilemmas, grappling with concepts like freedom, choice, and the meaning of life.
5. Existentialism has influenced various artistic movements, including absurdist theater and modernist literature, where themes of alienation and the search for meaning are central.

Review Questions

• How does existentialism reflect the individual experiences of characters in literature from the early 20th century?
  • In early 20th-century literature, existentialism often showcases characters grappling with profound questions about their existence and purpose. These characters confront their freedom to make choices in an unpredictable world, which leads them to experience feelings of alienation and absurdity. This reflection of individual struggles highlights the central existentialist theme that individuals must create their own meaning through their actions.
• Discuss how existentialist ideas challenge traditional beliefs about morality and societal values.
  • Existentialist ideas challenge traditional beliefs by asserting that individuals are responsible for defining their own morals rather than adhering to established societal norms. This perspective emphasizes personal choice and accountability, suggesting that people must navigate ethical dilemmas without relying on universal truths or predetermined values. Such challenges encourage deeper introspection about one's beliefs and motivations in a chaotic world.
• Evaluate the impact of existentialism on post-war literature and how it relates to themes of disillusionment.
  • Existentialism had a profound impact on post-war literature, as many authors used it to express the disillusionment felt by individuals in the aftermath of global conflict. The themes of alienation and absurdity resonated deeply during this time as writers sought to capture the emotional turmoil resulting from war's devastation. By exploring characters' struggles with meaning in a seemingly indifferent universe, these works reflected a collective search for identity and authenticity amidst chaos.

Related terms

absurdism: A philosophy that explores the conflict between human beings' tendency to seek inherent meaning in life and the silent, indifferent universe that offers none.

authenticity: The quality of being true to one's self, values, and beliefs, often seen as a goal in existentialist thought to combat feelings of alienation.

existence precedes essence: A fundamental existentialist principle suggesting that individuals are not born with a predefined purpose but must create their own essence through choices and actions.