Existentialism

Definition

Existentialism is a philosophical movement that emphasizes individual freedom, choice, and the search for meaning in a seemingly indifferent or absurd universe. It focuses on the experience of being human and posits that individuals are responsible for creating their own values and defining their own existence, often confronting themes of despair, absurdity, and authenticity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Existentialism gained prominence in the 20th century, with key figures like Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, and Albert Camus exploring themes of freedom and responsibility.
2. In science fiction, existentialist ideas often surface as characters face moral dilemmas and the consequences of their choices in a futuristic or dystopian setting.
3. Existentialist works often portray characters grappling with feelings of anxiety and despair as they search for purpose in an unpredictable universe.
4. The concept of 'bad faith' is significant in existentialism; it refers to the act of deceiving oneself to escape the responsibility of making authentic choices.
5. Existentialism invites audiences to reflect on their own existence and the choices they make, encouraging a deeper understanding of personal identity and meaning.

Review Questions

• How do existentialist themes manifest in science fiction narratives, particularly in the character development and moral dilemmas faced?
  • In science fiction, existentialist themes are evident through characters who must navigate moral dilemmas that challenge their freedom and choices. These narratives often place characters in futuristic settings where they confront absurd situations or oppressive systems. The struggle for individuality against societal pressures exemplifies existentialist ideas, highlighting the importance of authentic decision-making and personal responsibility.
• Analyze how the concepts of authenticity and alienation interact within existentialist literature, providing examples from specific works.
  • In existentialist literature, authenticity involves characters striving to live genuinely according to their own values despite societal pressures. This often leads to feelings of alienation as characters recognize their differences from others. For instance, in Sartre's 'Nausea,' the protagonist experiences profound alienation while grappling with his existence. The tension between wanting to be true to oneself while feeling disconnected from society encapsulates core existentialist ideas.
• Evaluate the impact of existentialism on contemporary storytelling and how its themes resonate with modern audiences navigating issues of identity and purpose.
  • Existentialism profoundly impacts contemporary storytelling by addressing universal questions about identity and purpose that resonate with modern audiences. As people face challenges such as rapid technological change and societal upheaval, stories rooted in existential themes encourage introspection regarding personal choices and values. Films like 'Blade Runner' explore the implications of artificial intelligence on what it means to be human, showcasing how existential questions remain relevant in today’s narratives.

Related terms

Absurdism:

A philosophy closely related to existentialism that suggests human beings exist in a purposeless, chaotic universe and must confront the inherent meaninglessness of life.

Authenticity: The quality of being true to oneself, acting in accordance with one's values and beliefs rather than conforming to societal expectations.

Alienation: A feeling of disconnection or separation from one's self or society, often explored in existentialist literature as characters confront their isolation in a modern world.