Existentialism

Definition

Existentialism is a philosophical movement that emphasizes individual existence, freedom, and choice, asserting that people define their own meaning in life and that existence precedes essence. This ideology highlights the absurdity of human life, suggesting that while the world is often chaotic and meaningless, individuals have the power to create their own values and purpose through their actions and decisions. It is closely associated with themes of authenticity, anxiety, and the search for meaning in a post-religious world.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Existentialism emerged as a prominent philosophical movement in the 20th century, influenced by earlier thinkers like Søren Kierkegaard and Friedrich Nietzsche.
2. Key existentialist figures include Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, and Albert Camus, who each explored themes of freedom, responsibility, and the human condition.
3. Existentialism challenges traditional philosophical ideas by asserting that there is no predetermined essence or purpose to human life; rather, individuals must create their own meanings.
4. In literature and art, existentialism manifests through characters grappling with despair, isolation, and the quest for identity in an indifferent universe.
5. Existentialist ideas have influenced various fields beyond philosophy, including psychology, theology, literature, and even political thought.

Review Questions

• How does existentialism redefine traditional concepts of meaning and purpose in life?
  • Existentialism redefines traditional concepts of meaning and purpose by asserting that there is no inherent meaning given to human existence. Instead of relying on pre-defined doctrines or religious beliefs, existentialists argue that individuals must forge their own paths and create their own meanings through their choices and actions. This perspective emphasizes personal responsibility and authenticity as essential components of living a fulfilling life.
• In what ways do key figures like Sartre and Camus contribute to our understanding of existentialism's core themes?
  • Sartre contributes to existentialism by emphasizing the idea that 'existence precedes essence,' which means individuals are free to define themselves through their actions. He explores concepts like 'bad faith,' where people deceive themselves to escape the anxiety of freedom. Camus, on the other hand, focuses on absurdity—the conflict between humans’ search for meaning and an indifferent universe—illustrated through his works such as 'The Myth of Sisyphus.' Together, they deepen our understanding of existentialist themes like freedom, choice, authenticity, and absurdity.
• Evaluate how existentialism’s focus on individual experience influences modern artistic expressions in literature and visual arts.
  • Existentialism's focus on individual experience has significantly influenced modern artistic expressions by encouraging artists to explore themes of identity, isolation, and personal choice. In literature, characters often face profound dilemmas that reflect their struggles with meaninglessness or absurdity, leading to rich narratives filled with introspection. In visual arts, movements like abstract expressionism emphasize emotion and individual perception over traditional representation. This shift towards subjective experience fosters a deeper engagement with the complexities of human existence in both mediums.

Related terms

Absurdism: A philosophy that explores the conflict between humans' tendency to seek inherent value and meaning in life and the cold, indifferent universe that offers none.

Authenticity: The quality of being true to one’s self, beliefs, and values, often emphasized in existentialist thought as essential for living a meaningful life.

Freedom of Choice: The ability of individuals to make choices free from external constraints, a key concept in existentialism that underlines personal responsibility.