Existentialism

Definition

Existentialism is a philosophical movement that emphasizes individual freedom, choice, and the inherent meaninglessness of life, suggesting that individuals must create their own meaning within an absurd or indifferent universe. It highlights the struggles of human existence and the idea that people are responsible for their own actions and the consequences that follow. The movement often confronts themes of isolation, anxiety, and authenticity in personal identity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Existentialism emerged as a significant philosophical movement in the 20th century, heavily influenced by thinkers like Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir.
2. A core tenet of existentialism is the belief that existence precedes essence, meaning individuals first exist and then create their essence through actions and choices.
3. Existentialist literature often explores themes of despair, freedom, and the search for meaning through characters who face profound choices and crises.
4. Sartre famously stated that 'man is condemned to be free,' highlighting the burdens that come with absolute freedom and the responsibility it entails.
5. Existentialism has also been influential in psychology, particularly in understanding human behavior, anxiety, and the search for authenticity in life.

Review Questions

• How does existentialism address the concept of personal choice and responsibility?
  • Existentialism places a strong emphasis on personal choice and the responsibility that comes with it. It argues that individuals are not defined by pre-existing labels or societal norms; instead, they must actively make choices that shape their identity and meaning in life. This perspective underscores the idea that people are accountable for their actions, regardless of external influences or circumstances.
• In what ways do existentialist themes manifest in literature, particularly regarding character development?
  • Existentialist themes in literature often manifest through characters who grapple with profound dilemmas and the search for authenticity. These characters typically face situations that force them to confront their own freedom and responsibility, leading to moments of despair or revelation. This exploration of internal conflict highlights how characters create their own meanings amidst an indifferent universe, allowing readers to engage with the complexities of human existence.
• Evaluate the impact of existentialism on modern thought and its relevance to contemporary issues.
  • Existentialism has profoundly influenced modern thought by challenging traditional notions of identity, morality, and society. Its focus on individual freedom resonates with contemporary discussions around personal autonomy and authenticity in various aspects of life, including politics, culture, and psychology. By promoting the idea that individuals must forge their own paths in an increasingly complex world, existentialism remains relevant as people navigate questions about meaning, alienation, and connection in today's fast-paced society.

Related terms

Absurdism: A philosophical perspective that focuses on the conflict between human beings' desire to find inherent meaning in life and the universe's lack of any such meaning.

Authenticity: The quality of being genuine or true to one's self, often emphasized in existentialist thought as crucial for personal identity and ethical living.

Alienation: A feeling of disconnection or estrangement from oneself, others, or society, often discussed within existentialism as a central experience of modern life.