Existential angst

Definition

Existential angst is a profound feeling of anxiety and dread that arises from the human confrontation with the inherent meaninglessness of life and the burden of freedom. This concept often reflects a struggle with one's own existence, identity, and the choices one must make in an unpredictable world. It encapsulates the internal conflict faced by individuals who grapple with questions about purpose, morality, and their place in the universe.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Existential angst can be triggered by moments of crisis, such as loss, trauma, or major life changes, prompting individuals to reevaluate their beliefs and values.
2. This feeling is often associated with existential philosophers like Søren Kierkegaard and Jean-Paul Sartre, who explored the implications of freedom and responsibility.
3. Existential angst challenges individuals to confront their own mortality and the reality that they must create their own meaning in life.
4. It can lead to positive outcomes as well, such as greater self-awareness and a more profound appreciation for life's fleeting moments.
5. In religious contexts, existential angst raises questions about faith, morality, and whether established religious teachings can adequately address the uncertainty of existence.

Review Questions

• How does existential angst relate to the challenges individuals face in constructing their moral framework?
  • Existential angst significantly impacts how individuals approach moral decisions as it brings to light the anxiety surrounding freedom and responsibility. When faced with the absence of inherent meaning in life, people may struggle with making moral choices that align with their values. This internal conflict can lead individuals to question not only their beliefs but also the validity of religious morality in guiding them through an unpredictable world.
• In what ways can existential angst influence a person's understanding of authenticity and self-identity?
  • Existential angst pushes individuals to confront their true selves amid societal pressures and expectations. This struggle fosters a deeper inquiry into personal values and desires, prompting people to seek authenticity rather than simply conforming. By wrestling with existential angst, individuals can uncover their genuine identity, ultimately leading to a more meaningful existence as they learn to embrace their freedom and responsibility.
• Evaluate how existential angst might affect a person's relationship with traditional religious beliefs and practices.
  • Existential angst can create tension between an individual's personal experiences of anxiety and the comforting narratives often provided by traditional religious beliefs. As individuals confront feelings of uncertainty about existence and meaning, they may find themselves questioning the adequacy of these beliefs in addressing life's complexities. This introspection can either lead to a strengthened faith through deeper understanding or a departure from conventional religious practices in search of more personally relevant answers.

Related terms

Absurdism: A philosophical perspective that emphasizes the conflict between humans' desire to find inherent meaning in life and the silent, indifferent universe that offers none.

Authenticity: The quality of being true to one's own personality, spirit, or character, as opposed to conforming to societal expectations or external pressures.

Nihilism: The philosophical belief that life lacks objective meaning, purpose, or intrinsic value, often leading to skepticism about moral truths.