Existentialism

Definition

Existentialism is a philosophical movement that emphasizes individual existence, freedom, and choice. It asserts that people create their own meaning and purpose in a universe that is indifferent or even absurd. This philosophy often grapples with themes of angst, alienation, and the search for authenticity in a chaotic world.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Existentialism gained prominence in the 20th century, influenced by philosophers like Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, and Albert Camus, who explored themes of freedom and absurdity.
2. The movement argues that individuals are responsible for their own choices and must navigate the anxiety that comes with this freedom.
3. Existentialist literature often features characters grappling with feelings of isolation, despair, and the search for authenticity in their lives.
4. The theater of the absurd emerged from existentialist ideas, using illogical scenarios to highlight the absurd nature of human existence and communication.
5. Existentialism challenges traditional views on morality by suggesting that values are subjective and must be defined by the individual rather than dictated by society or religion.

Review Questions

• How does existentialism differ from nihilism in its approach to meaning and value in life?
  • While both existentialism and nihilism grapple with the question of meaning, existentialism asserts that individuals can create their own meaning and purpose despite an indifferent universe. In contrast, nihilism posits that life lacks inherent meaning or value altogether. This fundamental difference emphasizes existentialism's focus on personal responsibility and the potential for authenticity, while nihilism leads to despair or moral ambiguity.
• Discuss how absurdist elements in literature reflect existentialist themes of alienation and meaning-making.
  • Absurdist literature embodies existentialist themes by portraying characters who face absurd situations that highlight their alienation from the world. These narratives often show individuals struggling to find meaning amidst chaos, showcasing the tension between human desires for connection and the indifferent universe. This interplay illustrates how characters navigate their existence, forcing them to confront their freedom and responsibility in creating personal significance.
• Evaluate the impact of existentialist thought on contemporary culture and its relevance to modern existential crises.
  • Existentialist thought continues to resonate in contemporary culture as individuals face uncertainties and crises of identity in an increasingly complex world. The emphasis on personal choice and responsibility encourages people to confront their values and meanings actively. In a society marked by rapid change and ambiguity, existentialism offers tools for understanding one's place within it, fostering discussions around mental health, authenticity, and the search for purpose amidst chaos.

Related terms

Absurdism: Absurdism is a philosophy closely related to existentialism that focuses on the conflict between humans' desire to find inherent meaning in life and the silent, indifferent universe that offers none.

Authenticity: Authenticity refers to the degree to which an individual aligns their actions and choices with their true self, reflecting the existentialist belief in the importance of personal responsibility and self-definition.

Nihilism: Nihilism is a philosophical viewpoint that suggests life lacks inherent meaning or value, often leading to despair or rejection of moral principles, contrasting with existentialism's call for individuals to create their own meaning.