Existentialism

Definition

Existentialism is a philosophical movement that emphasizes individual existence, freedom, and choice. It explores the meaning of life and the importance of personal experience, asserting that individuals are responsible for giving their own lives meaning in a world that may seem indifferent or absurd.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Existentialism originated in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with influential figures such as Søren Kierkegaard and Friedrich Nietzsche laying its groundwork before Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir popularized it.
2. Key themes of existentialism include freedom of choice, the burden of responsibility, and the search for meaning in an often chaotic and indifferent universe.
3. Existentialists argue that individuals must confront their own existence, embrace their freedom, and accept the weight of their choices without relying on external sources for meaning.
4. The concept of 'bad faith' refers to self-deception or denial of one's freedom and responsibility, where individuals conform to societal norms instead of pursuing authentic lives.
5. Existentialism has had a profound influence on various fields including literature, psychology, theology, and the arts, shaping how we understand human experience and individual agency.

Review Questions

• How does existentialism define the relationship between individual freedom and responsibility?
  • Existentialism posits that individuals possess absolute freedom to make choices, but with this freedom comes immense responsibility. Each person must navigate their own existence and make decisions that define their essence. The weight of this responsibility can lead to anxiety as individuals confront the reality that they alone are accountable for the meanings they create in their lives.
• Discuss the concept of 'bad faith' within existentialist thought and its implications for authentic living.
  • 'Bad faith' in existentialism refers to the tendency of individuals to deceive themselves about their freedom and responsibility by adhering to societal norms or expectations. This self-deception prevents authentic living, where one fully embraces their freedom to choose. Existentialists argue that overcoming bad faith is essential for achieving authenticity, as it allows individuals to live genuinely according to their values rather than conforming to external pressures.
• Evaluate how existentialism addresses the theme of meaning in life amid an indifferent universe and its impact on personal agency.
  • Existentialism confronts the theme of meaning in life by asserting that while the universe may appear indifferent or absurd, it is up to each individual to create their own meaning. This perspective empowers people to take charge of their lives by making choices that reflect their true selves. By embracing personal agency and rejecting predetermined values or beliefs, individuals can navigate an often chaotic world with a sense of purpose rooted in their unique experiences.

Related terms

Absurdism: A philosophical perspective closely related to existentialism, Absurdism focuses on the conflict between human beings' search for meaning and the indifferent universe, suggesting that finding meaning is a personal endeavor despite inherent absurdity.

Authenticity: A key concept in existentialism referring to living in accordance with one's true self, values, and beliefs rather than conforming to societal expectations.

Nihilism: The belief that life lacks inherent meaning or value, often associated with existentialist thought as a potential outcome of confronting the absurdity of existence.