Existentialism

Definition

Existentialism is a philosophical movement that emphasizes individual existence, freedom, and choice, positing that individuals are responsible for giving meaning to their own lives in an indifferent or even absurd universe. It often grapples with themes of anxiety, absurdity, and the search for authenticity, connecting deeply with the human experience and confronting the existential dilemmas we face.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Existentialism emerged in the late 19th and 20th centuries, with key figures including Søren Kierkegaard, Friedrich Nietzsche, Jean-Paul Sartre, and Albert Camus.
2. A central tenet of existentialism is the idea that existence precedes essence, meaning that individuals create their own essence through their choices and actions.
3. Existentialist thinkers often explore themes such as isolation, freedom, and the responsibility that comes with choice, reflecting on how these elements shape human experience.
4. Sartre's famous assertion that 'man is condemned to be free' highlights the burden of choice in an existence devoid of inherent meaning.
5. Camus's concept of the 'absurd hero' exemplifies how individuals can confront the lack of meaning in life and still find a way to live authentically despite it.

Review Questions

• How do existentialist thinkers define the relationship between existence and essence?
  • Existentialist thinkers propose that existence precedes essence, meaning that individuals first exist and then define their essence through their choices and actions. This flips traditional philosophical notions where essence is considered to come before existence. By emphasizing individual freedom and responsibility, existentialism suggests that each person has the power to create their own meaning in a seemingly indifferent universe.
• Discuss how existentialism addresses themes of anxiety and absurdity within human existence.
  • Existentialism delves into themes of anxiety and absurdity by highlighting the tension between humanity's quest for meaning and the chaotic nature of existence. Existential angst emerges when individuals confront their freedom to choose amidst an indifferent universe. This sense of absurdity is particularly explored in works by philosophers like Camus, who suggests that while life may be devoid of inherent meaning, individuals can still find purpose through authentic living.
• Evaluate the significance of authenticity in existentialist philosophy and how it relates to individual freedom.
  • Authenticity is a core concept in existentialist philosophy, representing the idea of being true to oneself amid societal pressures and expectations. This authenticity relates closely to individual freedom, as it requires acknowledging one’s choices and taking responsibility for them. Existentialists argue that living authentically allows individuals to transcend absurdity by actively creating their own values and meaning, thereby embracing both their freedom and the weight it carries.

Related terms

Authenticity: The quality of being true to oneself and one's values, often emphasized in existentialist thought as a crucial aspect of living an honest and meaningful life.

Absurdism: A philosophical perspective closely related to existentialism that highlights the inherent conflict between humans' desire for meaning and the chaotic, indifferent universe.

Existential Angst: A term used to describe the feelings of deep anxiety and despair that arise from confronting one's freedom and the inherent meaninglessness of life.