Existentialism

Definition

Existentialism is a philosophical movement that emphasizes individual existence, freedom, and choice, asserting that individuals are responsible for creating their own meaning in a seemingly indifferent or absurd universe. This philosophy often grapples with themes of authenticity, despair, and the inherent conflict between fate and free will.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Existentialism emerged as a distinct philosophical movement in the 20th century, heavily influenced by thinkers like Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir.
2. A key aspect of existentialism is the belief that humans have the freedom to make choices and must take responsibility for those choices, often leading to feelings of anxiety and isolation.
3. Existentialists argue that traditional notions of fate diminish individual agency, positioning free will as central to human experience.
4. Literature plays a significant role in existential thought, with works by authors like Franz Kafka and Albert Camus illustrating themes of absurdity and existential crisis.
5. Existentialist philosophy often confronts the tension between predetermined fate and the freedom to choose one's path, highlighting the struggle for personal identity in a chaotic world.

Review Questions

• How does existentialism challenge traditional views of fate and free will?
  • Existentialism challenges traditional views by asserting that individuals possess the freedom to make their own choices rather than being bound by predetermined fate. This perspective emphasizes personal responsibility in shaping one’s own destiny, suggesting that people must confront the consequences of their choices. By focusing on individual agency, existentialists argue against fatalism and encourage embracing one’s freedom in an indifferent universe.
• Discuss the implications of existentialist thought on personal identity and authenticity in relation to societal expectations.
  • Existentialist thought has significant implications for personal identity and authenticity, suggesting that individuals must strive to be true to themselves rather than conforming to societal norms. This pursuit of authenticity can create inner conflict as people navigate external pressures while seeking self-definition. Existentialists believe that embracing one’s freedom can lead to a more genuine existence but may also result in feelings of alienation when societal expectations clash with personal values.
• Evaluate how existentialism's views on freedom and choice contribute to its understanding of human existence within an absurd universe.
  • Existentialism posits that human existence is characterized by the tension between the desire for meaning and the absurdity of life. By emphasizing freedom and choice, it recognizes that individuals must confront an indifferent universe and create their own meaning. This understanding fosters resilience as people navigate their struggles with despair and isolation while ultimately affirming the significance of personal agency in shaping one's life story amidst chaos.

Related terms

Absurdism: A philosophy closely related to existentialism, which suggests that human beings exist in a purposeless, chaotic universe and must create their own meaning despite this absurdity.

Authenticity: The degree to which an individual's actions reflect their true self and values, rather than conforming to societal expectations or external pressures.

Nihilism: The belief that life is without objective meaning, purpose, or intrinsic value, often seen as a critique of existentialism's focus on personal meaning-making.