gened 1025: happiness unit 3 study guides

What's Existentialism Anyway?

• Existentialism is a philosophical movement that emphasizes individual existence, freedom and responsibility
• Emerged in the mid-20th century, particularly in Europe, as a response to traditional philosophies and the devastation of World War II
• Focuses on the individual's unique position as a self-determining agent responsible for the authenticity of their choices and actions
• Stresses the importance of subjective human experience as opposed to purely rational or scientific knowledge
• Existentialists believe that the universe is indifferent to human existence and that there is no inherent meaning or purpose to life
  • Individuals must create their own meaning and purpose through their choices and actions
• Explores themes such as freedom, responsibility, authenticity, absurdity, and the human condition
• Influenced by the works of philosophers such as Søren Kierkegaard, Friedrich Nietzsche, and Martin Heidegger

Key Players in Existentialism

• Søren Kierkegaard (1813-1855): Danish philosopher, theologian, and author, often regarded as the first existentialist philosopher
  • Emphasized the importance of individual choice and commitment, particularly in matters of faith
  • Known for works such as "Either/Or" (1843) and "The Sickness Unto Death" (1849)
• Friedrich Nietzsche (1844-1900): German philosopher, cultural critic, and poet, who had a significant influence on existentialism
  • Challenged traditional values and morality, proclaiming the "death of God" and the need for individuals to create their own values
  • Famous works include "Thus Spoke Zarathustra" (1883-1885) and "Beyond Good and Evil" (1886)
• Jean-Paul Sartre (1905-1980): French philosopher, playwright, novelist, and political activist, often considered the most prominent figure in existentialism
  • Emphasized the concept of radical freedom and the responsibility that comes with it
  • Notable works include "Being and Nothingness" (1943) and the play "No Exit" (1944)
• Simone de Beauvoir (1908-1986): French writer, intellectual, existentialist philosopher, and feminist
  • Explored the concept of authenticity and the situation of women in society
  • Wrote influential works such as "The Second Sex" (1949) and "The Ethics of Ambiguity" (1947)
• Albert Camus (1913-1960): French philosopher, author, and journalist, known for his absurdist works and contributions to existentialism
  • Focused on the absurdity of the human condition and the search for meaning in an indifferent universe
  • Famous works include "The Stranger" (1942), "The Myth of Sisyphus" (1942), and "The Rebel" (1951)
• Martin Heidegger (1889-1976): German philosopher and a seminal thinker in the Continental tradition and philosophical hermeneutics
  • Explored concepts such as Being, existence, and authenticity
  • Influential work "Being and Time" (1927) had a significant impact on existentialism

Core Ideas and Concepts

• Existence precedes essence: Individuals are born without a predetermined essence or nature, and they must define themselves through their choices and actions
• Authenticity: The idea that individuals should strive to live in accordance with their own values and beliefs, rather than conforming to societal norms or expectations
• Freedom and responsibility: Humans are fundamentally free to make their own choices, but with this freedom comes the responsibility for the consequences of those choices
  • Existentialists emphasize the importance of taking responsibility for one's actions and decisions
• Absurdity: The inherent meaninglessness and irrationality of the universe, and the human struggle to find meaning and purpose in the face of this absurdity
• Anxiety and despair: The emotional responses to the realization of one's freedom and the absurdity of existence
  • Existentialists view anxiety as a natural part of the human condition, arising from the awareness of one's responsibility and the lack of inherent meaning in life
• Subjectivity: The primacy of individual experience and perspective over objective or universal truths
• The human condition: The unique challenges and experiences that come with being human, such as mortality, isolation, and the search for meaning
• Bad faith: The act of deceiving oneself or denying one's freedom and responsibility, often by adopting pre-determined roles or values

Existentialism and Happiness: Friends or Foes?

• Existentialism does not directly equate happiness with the ultimate goal of life, as it emphasizes the individual's freedom to create their own meaning and purpose
• However, existentialists argue that by embracing authenticity and taking responsibility for one's choices, individuals can lead more fulfilling and meaningful lives
  • This sense of fulfillment and meaning can contribute to a deeper form of happiness or contentment
• Existentialism encourages individuals to confront the absurdity of existence and find joy in the present moment, rather than relying on external sources of happiness
• The emphasis on individual freedom and responsibility can be empowering, allowing individuals to shape their own lives and find happiness on their own terms
• However, the realization of the inherent meaninglessness of the universe and the weight of responsibility can also lead to feelings of anxiety and despair
  • Existentialists argue that these emotions are a necessary part of the human experience and can serve as catalysts for personal growth and self-discovery
• Ultimately, existentialism suggests that happiness is a byproduct of living authentically and creating one's own meaning, rather than an end goal in itself
• The relationship between existentialism and happiness is complex, as it depends on how individuals choose to navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by existential thought

Real-Life Applications

• Personal growth and self-discovery: Existentialism encourages individuals to explore their own values, beliefs, and desires, leading to a deeper understanding of themselves and their place in the world
• Decision-making and responsibility: By emphasizing individual freedom and responsibility, existentialism can help individuals make more intentional and authentic choices in their lives
  • This can be applied to decisions related to careers, relationships, and personal goals
• Coping with adversity: Existential concepts such as the absurdity of existence and the importance of creating one's own meaning can provide a framework for dealing with difficult life experiences, such as loss, failure, or uncertainty
• Authenticity in relationships: Existentialism encourages individuals to be true to themselves and their values in their interactions with others, leading to more genuine and fulfilling relationships
• Social and political activism: The existential emphasis on individual responsibility and the need to create meaning can inspire individuals to engage in social and political activism, working to create positive change in the world
• Creativity and self-expression: Existentialism's focus on individuality and authenticity can encourage individuals to explore their creative potential and express themselves in unique ways, such as through art, music, or writing
• Mindfulness and living in the present: The existential idea of embracing the absurdity of existence and finding joy in the present moment can be applied to mindfulness practices and the cultivation of a more present-focused lifestyle
• Existential therapy: Existential concepts and principles are used in a form of psychotherapy that helps individuals confront existential concerns and develop a greater sense of meaning, purpose, and authenticity in their lives

Critiques and Controversies

• Nihilism and pessimism: Some critics argue that existentialism's emphasis on the inherent meaninglessness of the universe and the absurdity of existence can lead to nihilistic or pessimistic attitudes
  • However, many existentialists counter that recognizing the absurdity of existence is a necessary step towards creating one's own meaning and purpose
• Subjectivism and moral relativism: The existential focus on individual subjectivity and the rejection of universal moral principles has led some critics to accuse existentialism of promoting moral relativism or a lack of ethical standards
  • Existentialists argue that individuals are still responsible for their choices and actions, and that authentic living requires a commitment to one's own values and beliefs
• Elitism and inaccessibility: Some critics argue that existentialism's emphasis on individual freedom and responsibility may be more accessible or relevant to those with privileged social and economic positions
  • However, existentialists maintain that the fundamental challenges and opportunities of existence are universal to all humans, regardless of their circumstances
• Compatibility with religion: Existentialism's rejection of inherent meaning and its emphasis on individual freedom and responsibility have led some to question its compatibility with religious beliefs and practices
  • However, some existentialists, such as Kierkegaard, have explored the relationship between existentialism and religious faith, arguing that authentic religious commitment requires a leap of faith in the face of uncertainty and absurdity
• Practical applicability: Some critics question the practical applicability of existential ideas to everyday life, arguing that the abstract and philosophical nature of existentialism may not provide concrete guidance for individuals
  • Existentialists counter that the value of existential thought lies in its ability to encourage individuals to confront the fundamental questions of existence and to take responsibility for creating their own meaning and purpose

Pop Culture and Existentialism

• Literature: Many existentialist philosophers, such as Jean-Paul Sartre and Albert Camus, were also influential novelists and playwrights
  • Works like Sartre's "Nausea" (1938) and Camus' "The Stranger" (1942) explore existential themes through fictional narratives
• Film: Existential themes have been explored in numerous films, often focusing on characters who confront the absurdity of existence and struggle to find meaning and purpose
  • Examples include "The Seventh Seal" (1957) by Ingmar Bergman, "Blade Runner" (1982) by Ridley Scott, and "Fight Club" (1999) by David Fincher
• Television: Existential ideas have been incorporated into various television series, often through characters who grapple with questions of identity, purpose, and the human condition
  • Examples include "The Sopranos" (1999-2007), "Mad Men" (2007-2015), and "True Detective" (2014-2019)
• Music: Existential themes have been explored in various musical genres, from rock and roll to hip-hop
  • Artists such as Bob Dylan, Pink Floyd, Radiohead, and Kendrick Lamar have incorporated existential ideas into their lyrics and compositions
• Visual art: Existential concepts have influenced various artistic movements and individual artists, often through works that explore the human condition, alienation, and the search for meaning
  • Examples include the abstract expressionist paintings of Jackson Pollock and the surrealist works of Salvador Dalí
• Popular philosophy: Existential ideas have been popularized through various books, articles, and media aimed at a general audience
  • Works such as "The Existentialist's Survival Guide" (2018) by Gordon Marino and "How to Live a Good Life" (2020) by Massimo Pigliucci, Skye C. Cleary, and Daniel Kaufman have made existential concepts more accessible to a wider readership

How This Fits into Our Happiness Course

• Existentialism provides a unique perspective on the nature of happiness and the human pursuit of meaning and fulfillment
  • By exploring existential concepts such as authenticity, freedom, and responsibility, students can gain a deeper understanding of the factors that contribute to a sense of purpose and satisfaction in life
• The existential emphasis on individual subjectivity and the creation of one's own meaning aligns with the course's focus on personal growth and self-discovery
  • Encouraging students to reflect on their own values, beliefs, and goals can help them develop a more authentic and fulfilling sense of happiness
• Existentialism's acknowledgment of the inherent challenges and absurdities of existence can provide students with a framework for coping with adversity and finding joy in the present moment
  • This perspective can contribute to the development of resilience and emotional well-being, which are key components of happiness
• The course's exploration of different philosophical and psychological perspectives on happiness can be enriched by the inclusion of existential thought
  • Comparing and contrasting existentialism with other approaches, such as positive psychology or virtue ethics, can help students develop a more comprehensive understanding of the nature of happiness and the various paths to achieving it
• Existentialism's real-life applications, such as its influence on personal growth, decision-making, and social activism, can inspire students to apply the insights gained from the course to their own lives and communities
  • By encouraging students to embrace their freedom and responsibility, the course can empower them to create positive change and lead more authentic and fulfilling lives