19th-century existentialism

Definition

19th-century existentialism is a philosophical movement that emphasizes individual existence, freedom, and choice, asserting that people are responsible for giving their own lives meaning in a universe that lacks inherent purpose. This movement arose as a response to the decline of traditional values and the rise of nihilism, focusing on the subjective experience of individuals and their search for authenticity amidst a seemingly indifferent world.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. 19th-century existentialism emerged in a context of rapidly changing social, political, and scientific landscapes, prompting individuals to question previously held beliefs about meaning and morality.
2. Key figures associated with this movement include Søren Kierkegaard, who is often considered the father of existentialism, and Friedrich Nietzsche, who famously declared that 'God is dead,' highlighting the crisis of meaning in a secular age.
3. The movement focused heavily on themes of despair, anxiety, and the absurdity of existence, encouraging individuals to confront these feelings to find personal meaning.
4. Existentialism placed significant emphasis on free will and personal responsibility, suggesting that individuals must actively choose their paths rather than conforming to societal expectations.
5. The literary expressions of existential thought in the 19th century laid the groundwork for later 20th-century existential philosophers and writers, influencing various fields such as psychology, theology, and literature.

Review Questions

• How did 19th-century existentialism respond to the rise of nihilism in society?
  • 19th-century existentialism emerged as a reaction against nihilism by asserting that while life may lack inherent meaning, individuals possess the freedom and responsibility to create their own meaning. Existentialists believed that confronting the void left by nihilism could lead to personal authenticity and meaningful choices. In contrast to nihilism's despair, existentialism offered a framework for individuals to embrace their freedom and define their own existence.
• Discuss the role of key philosophers in shaping 19th-century existentialism and their contributions to the concept of authenticity.
  • Key philosophers like Søren Kierkegaard and Friedrich Nietzsche significantly shaped 19th-century existentialism by emphasizing individuality and personal authenticity. Kierkegaard focused on the importance of subjective experience and faith as means for individuals to navigate life's uncertainties. Nietzsche's declaration of 'God is dead' challenged people to find strength within themselves to create values in a secular world. Their ideas encouraged people to live authentically rather than conforming to societal norms.
• Evaluate how 19th-century existentialism influenced later philosophical movements and its relevance in contemporary discussions about meaning and identity.
  • 19th-century existentialism laid the groundwork for later philosophical movements such as postmodernism and existential psychology. Its exploration of individual freedom and personal responsibility resonates in contemporary discussions about identity, mental health, and societal values. The emphasis on authenticity has led to an increased focus on self-exploration in modern life. Furthermore, existential themes continue to be relevant today as individuals grapple with questions of purpose in an increasingly complex world.

Related terms

Nihilism: A philosophical belief that life is without objective meaning, purpose, or intrinsic value, often leading to skepticism about traditional beliefs.

Absurdism: A philosophy that explores the conflict between the human 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, often emphasized in existentialist thought as essential for creating meaning in life.