Existentialism vs. Humanism

Definition

Existentialism is a philosophical movement that emphasizes individual existence, freedom, and choice, asserting that individuals create their own meaning in life. In contrast, humanism is a worldview that prioritizes human values and concerns, emphasizing the importance of human agency and rational thought, often in the context of ethical considerations. The interplay between existentialism and humanism highlights the tension between the subjective quest for meaning and the objective pursuit of human welfare.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Existentialism emerged in the 20th century, influenced by thinkers such as Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir, who challenged traditional philosophical frameworks.
2. Humanism has roots in Renaissance thought but has evolved to encompass modern ethical and philosophical considerations regarding human rights and dignity.
3. While existentialism often focuses on individual angst and alienation, humanism emphasizes community, social responsibility, and collective well-being.
4. Both existentialism and humanism grapple with questions of morality, but existentialists argue that moral frameworks are subjective and must be constructed by individuals.
5. Existentialism critiques humanism for potentially oversimplifying the complexity of human experience by emphasizing shared values over individual existential struggles.

Review Questions

• How do existentialism and humanism differ in their views on the nature of meaning in life?
  • Existentialism posits that meaning is not inherent in life but must be created by each individual through their choices and actions. In contrast, humanism suggests that meaning can be derived from shared human values and experiences, focusing on community welfare and ethical principles. This fundamental difference highlights existentialists' emphasis on personal freedom and responsibility versus humanists' focus on collective well-being.
• Discuss how the themes of freedom and responsibility are treated differently in existentialist versus humanist philosophies.
  • In existentialism, freedom is seen as both a gift and a burden; individuals must confront the weight of their choices without any predetermined guidelines. This often leads to feelings of angst or despair. On the other hand, humanism views freedom as an opportunity for positive action within a framework of ethical responsibility toward others. While existentialists emphasize personal accountability for one's choices, humanists stress the importance of using that freedom to contribute to society's welfare.
• Evaluate the implications of existentialist thought on contemporary ethical discussions compared to humanist perspectives.
  • Existentialist thought challenges contemporary ethics by emphasizing individual perspective over universal moral truths, leading to debates about subjective morality and personal responsibility. This can create tension in ethical discussions where communal values are prioritized. Humanist perspectives, conversely, advocate for a more standardized approach to ethics based on shared human rights and dignity. The evaluation of these contrasting approaches reveals a complex landscape where personal autonomy must be balanced with social responsibilities.

Related terms

Absurdism:

A philosophical perspective that emphasizes the inherent conflict between humans' desire for meaning and the indifferent universe, suggesting that individuals must create their own meaning.

Phenomenology:

A philosophical approach that focuses on the structures of experience and consciousness, aiming to explore how individuals perceive and interpret their existence.

Authenticity: The quality of being true to oneself and one's values, which is central to existentialist thought as individuals strive to live genuinely in a world without predetermined meaning.