Angst

Definition

Angst refers to a deep, existential anxiety or dread that arises from the awareness of one's own freedom and the inherent uncertainties of life. It captures a sense of disquietude related to the individual's search for meaning and authenticity in a seemingly indifferent universe. This feeling is particularly significant in existential thought, highlighting the internal struggles faced when confronted with life's choices and the absence of absolute values.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Angst is central to Kierkegaard's philosophy, where he identifies it as a key aspect of human existence that arises from our awareness of freedom and potential.
2. In existentialism, angst is considered a necessary experience that prompts individuals to confront their own values and the meaning of their existence.
3. Kierkegaard distinguished between fear and angst, with fear being a response to a specific threat, while angst is more about an undefined dread related to existence itself.
4. The experience of angst can lead to personal growth and the pursuit of authenticity, as individuals seek to define their own essence in a chaotic world.
5. Kierkegaard's concept of 'the leap of faith' relates closely to angst, suggesting that embracing one's anxiety can lead to a deeper understanding of faith and commitment.

Review Questions

• How does Kierkegaard differentiate between angst and fear in his philosophical work?
  • Kierkegaard makes a clear distinction between angst and fear by stating that fear arises from specific threats or dangers, while angst is an existential feeling that emerges from the awareness of one's freedom and the uncertainties associated with it. Fear is directed towards identifiable objects or situations, whereas angst encompasses a more profound sense of dread about existence itself. This differentiation highlights how angst plays a significant role in the human experience of confronting freedom and responsibility.
• Discuss how angst serves as a catalyst for personal growth according to existentialist thought.
  • In existentialist thought, angst is seen as an essential experience that compels individuals to confront their own beliefs, values, and choices. This confrontation can lead to greater self-awareness and encourage individuals to seek authenticity in their lives. By acknowledging and embracing their feelings of angst, people can engage more deeply with their own existence and strive to create personal meaning in a world that often feels chaotic or indifferent. Thus, angst becomes a catalyst for personal transformation rather than just a source of distress.
• Evaluate the implications of angst on the concept of authenticity within existential philosophy.
  • Angst has significant implications for the concept of authenticity within existential philosophy, as it challenges individuals to confront their inner fears and uncertainties in order to live genuinely. The experience of angst prompts self-reflection and forces individuals to question societal norms and imposed values, thereby encouraging them to forge their own path. This pursuit of authenticity requires individuals to take responsibility for their choices despite the anxiety it may provoke. Ultimately, embracing angst can lead to a more profound sense of purpose as individuals align their actions with their true selves.

Related terms

Existentialism: A philosophical movement that emphasizes individual existence, freedom, and choice, positing that individuals must create their own meaning in a world that lacks inherent purpose.

Despair: A profound state of hopelessness and emotional suffering that can arise from the confrontation with angst and the realization of life's absurdities.

Authenticity: The degree to which an individual is true to their own personality, spirit, or character, often explored in existential philosophy as a response to feelings of angst.