Existentialism

Definition

Existentialism is a philosophical movement that emphasizes individual existence, freedom, and choice, suggesting that individuals create their own meaning and purpose in a seemingly indifferent or absurd universe. This focus on personal responsibility aligns with the struggles and challenges faced by individuals, often highlighting the tension between fate and free will, especially when confronting trials and tribulations or the consequences of one's actions as seen through mythological narratives.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Existentialism gained prominence in the 20th century through thinkers like Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir, who argued that existence precedes essence.
2. Central to existentialist thought is the idea that individuals must confront the anxiety of freedom and make choices that define their lives.
3. Existentialists often address themes of alienation and despair, as individuals grapple with their isolation in an indifferent world.
4. Prominent existentialist works frequently use characters facing significant trials that highlight their choices and the resulting consequences, showcasing their quest for meaning.
5. Existentialism encourages embracing one's freedom and responsibility, urging individuals to act authentically despite external pressures or societal expectations.

Review Questions

• How does existentialism relate to the struggles individuals face during trials and tribulations?
  • Existentialism emphasizes personal choice and responsibility, which directly relates to how individuals navigate their trials and tribulations. The philosophy suggests that during challenging times, people are faced with decisions that shape their identity and meaning in life. These moments of struggle become opportunities for self-definition as individuals confront their freedom in choosing how to respond to adversity.
• In what ways do Hermes and Prometheus embody existentialist themes within Greek mythology?
  • Hermes and Prometheus represent key existentialist themes through their acts of defiance against the gods and the consequences that follow. Prometheus’s act of stealing fire symbolizes the pursuit of knowledge and individual agency, while Hermes embodies cleverness and resourcefulness in navigating life's challenges. Both characters illustrate the tension between fate and free will, showcasing how their choices lead to suffering yet affirming their unique identities.
• Analyze how existentialism provides a framework for understanding human behavior in response to absurdity as depicted in myths like those involving Hermes and Prometheus.
  • Existentialism offers a lens to interpret human behavior amidst absurdity by emphasizing individual freedom and personal responsibility. In myths involving Hermes and Prometheus, characters often confront circumstances beyond their control but must still make choices that define them. This highlights how they grapple with the absurdity of their situations—Prometheus faces punishment for his gift of fire while Hermes navigates complex relationships with gods. Their actions demonstrate how existentialist thought enables an understanding of human responses to life's inherent chaos, underlining the search for meaning even when faced with overwhelming odds.

Related terms

Absurdism: A philosophy that explores the conflict between human tendency to seek inherent meaning in life and the silent, indifferent universe.

Authenticity: The quality of being true to one's own personality, spirit, or character, often seen as a central tenet of existentialist thought.

Nihilism: The belief that life lacks objective meaning, purpose, or intrinsic value, often seen as a reaction to existentialist ideas.