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5.1 Philosophical foundations of Existentialism

9 min readLast Updated on August 21, 2024

Existentialism emerged as a philosophical movement in the 19th and 20th centuries, focusing on individual existence, freedom, and choice. It challenged traditional philosophical systems and religious doctrines, emphasizing human subjective experience and personal responsibility.

This movement significantly influenced World Literature II by introducing new themes and narrative techniques. Authors explored the human condition through characters grappling with alienation, absurdity, and the search for meaning in a seemingly indifferent universe.

Origins of existentialism

  • Emerged as a philosophical movement in the 19th and 20th centuries, emphasizing individual existence, freedom, and choice
  • Developed as a response to traditional philosophical systems and religious doctrines, focusing on human subjective experience
  • Influenced World Literature II by introducing new themes and narrative techniques that explored the human condition

Kierkegaard's influence

Top images from around the web for Kierkegaard's influence
Top images from around the web for Kierkegaard's influence
  • Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard laid the foundation for existentialist thought in the mid-19th century
  • Emphasized the importance of subjective truth and personal faith over objective knowledge
  • Introduced concepts of anxiety, despair, and the "leap of faith" in works like "Fear and Trembling" and "The Concept of Anxiety"
  • Criticized Hegelian philosophy and systematic theology for neglecting individual human experience

Nietzsche's contributions

  • German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche further developed existentialist ideas in the late 19th century
  • Proclaimed "God is dead," challenging traditional moral values and religious beliefs
  • Introduced the concept of the Übermensch (superman) as an ideal of self-overcoming and personal growth
  • Explored themes of nihilism, will to power, and eternal recurrence in works like "Thus Spoke Zarathustra" and "Beyond Good and Evil"
  • Influenced existentialist literature with his emphasis on individual creativity and rejection of absolute truths

Sartre vs Camus

  • Jean-Paul Sartre and Albert Camus, both French philosophers and writers, became prominent figures in 20th-century existentialism
  • Sartre developed a systematic existentialist philosophy, emphasizing radical freedom and responsibility
  • Camus focused on the absurdity of human existence and the search for meaning in a meaningless world
  • Their philosophical differences led to a public falling out in 1952
    • Sartre embraced Marxism and political engagement
    • Camus rejected systematic philosophies and focused on individual rebellion against absurdity
  • Both authors significantly influenced World Literature II through their novels, plays, and essays

Key existentialist concepts

  • Existentialism explores fundamental questions about human existence, freedom, and the search for meaning
  • Challenges traditional philosophical and religious systems by emphasizing individual experience and subjective truth
  • Influenced World Literature II by introducing new themes and narrative techniques that reflect existentialist ideas

Existence precedes essence

  • Central tenet of existentialism proposed by Jean-Paul Sartre
  • Asserts that humans exist first and then create their own essence through their choices and actions
  • Rejects the idea of a predetermined human nature or divine plan
  • Emphasizes individual responsibility for creating meaning in one's life
  • Influenced literary characters who struggle to define themselves in an uncertain world (Meursault in Camus' "The Stranger")

Freedom and responsibility

  • Existentialists argue that humans are fundamentally free to make choices and shape their lives
  • This freedom comes with the burden of responsibility for one's actions and their consequences
  • Concept of "bad faith" describes the denial of one's freedom and responsibility
  • Literary works explore characters grappling with difficult choices and their implications (Sartre's "No Exit")
  • Emphasizes the anxiety and anguish that accompany the realization of one's freedom

Absurdity of life

  • Existentialists view the world as inherently meaningless and devoid of intrinsic purpose
  • Human desire for meaning clashes with the indifference of the universe, creating a sense of absurdity
  • Albert Camus explored this concept in "The Myth of Sisyphus," using the Greek myth as a metaphor for the human condition
  • Literary works depict characters confronting the absurdity of existence (Kafka's "The Metamorphosis")
  • Encourages readers to create their own meaning in the face of life's absurdity

Authenticity vs bad faith

  • Authenticity involves living in accordance with one's true self and accepting one's freedom and responsibility
  • Bad faith refers to self-deception and the denial of one's freedom and responsibility
  • Sartre explored these concepts in his philosophical work "Being and Nothingness"
  • Literary characters often struggle between authentic living and bad faith (Garcin in Sartre's "No Exit")
  • Authenticity requires confronting difficult truths about oneself and the world, leading to existential angst

Existentialism in literature

  • Existentialist philosophy heavily influenced 20th-century literature, particularly in the post-World War II era
  • Writers incorporated existentialist themes and ideas into their works, exploring the human condition
  • Existentialist literature often features alienated protagonists, absurd situations, and moral dilemmas

Dostoevsky's underground man

  • Fyodor Dostoevsky's "Notes from Underground" (1864) is considered a precursor to existentialist literature
  • The unnamed protagonist embodies existentialist themes of alienation, freedom, and the search for meaning
  • Challenges rationalism and utopian ideals, emphasizing the irrationality of human nature
  • Explores the concept of free will and its consequences through the underground man's actions and thoughts
  • Influenced later existentialist writers with its psychological depth and exploration of human consciousness

Kafka's alienated protagonists

  • Franz Kafka's works feature protagonists who struggle with alienation, absurdity, and bureaucratic nightmares
  • "The Metamorphosis" depicts Gregor Samsa's transformation into a giant insect, exploring themes of identity and isolation
  • "The Trial" follows Josef K. as he navigates an incomprehensible legal system, highlighting the absurdity of modern life
  • Kafka's writing style, known as "Kafkaesque," captures the sense of disorientation and powerlessness in the face of an indifferent world
  • His works influenced existentialist literature by portraying the individual's struggle against overwhelming and often absurd forces

Sartre's novels and plays

  • Jean-Paul Sartre used fiction to explore existentialist themes and ideas
  • "Nausea" (1938) follows Antoine Roquentin's struggle with existence and the absurdity of life
  • "No Exit" (1944) explores the nature of human relationships and the concept of "hell is other people"
  • "The Age of Reason" (1945) examines the consequences of freedom and responsibility through its protagonist, Mathieu
  • Sartre's works often feature characters grappling with moral dilemmas and the weight of their choices
  • His writing style emphasizes psychological introspection and philosophical dialogue

Themes in existentialist writing

  • Existentialist literature explores the human condition through various recurring themes
  • These themes reflect the philosophical concerns of existentialism and their impact on individual experience
  • Influenced World Literature II by introducing new ways of examining the human psyche and social dynamics

Alienation and isolation

  • Central theme in existentialist literature, reflecting the individual's sense of disconnection from society and others
  • Characters often feel estranged from their surroundings, struggling to find meaning or connection
  • Manifests in various forms (social, emotional, psychological)
  • Explored through narrative techniques like stream of consciousness and unreliable narrators
  • Examples include Meursault in Camus' "The Stranger" and Gregor Samsa in Kafka's "The Metamorphosis"

Confronting death

  • Existentialist writers emphasize the importance of acknowledging human mortality
  • Death serves as a catalyst for characters to examine the meaning and purpose of their lives
  • Often portrayed as a source of anxiety and a reminder of life's finite nature
  • Characters may struggle with the fear of death or seek to find meaning in the face of inevitable mortality
  • Explored in works like Tolstoy's "The Death of Ivan Ilyich" and Camus' "The Plague"

Search for meaning

  • Existentialist literature often depicts characters struggling to find purpose in a seemingly meaningless world
  • Reflects the philosophical concept that individuals must create their own meaning in life
  • Characters may engage in various pursuits or experiences in an attempt to discover or construct meaning
  • Often involves questioning societal norms, religious beliefs, and traditional values
  • Examples include the protagonist in Sartre's "Nausea" and Meursault in Camus' "The Stranger"

Individual vs society

  • Explores the tension between individual freedom and societal expectations or constraints
  • Characters often find themselves at odds with social norms, institutions, or authority figures
  • Reflects existentialist ideas about authenticity and the rejection of predetermined roles or identities
  • May involve themes of rebellion, nonconformity, or the consequences of challenging societal norms
  • Exemplified in works like Camus' "The Rebel" and Sartre's "The Flies"

Existentialist philosophy

  • Explores fundamental questions about human existence, freedom, and the nature of reality
  • Emphasizes individual experience and subjective truth over abstract systems or objective knowledge
  • Influenced World Literature II by providing new philosophical frameworks for examining the human condition

Being-in-the-world

  • Concept introduced by Martin Heidegger in his work "Being and Time"
  • Describes the fundamental state of human existence as always already situated in a world of meaning and relationships
  • Challenges the traditional subject-object dichotomy in philosophy
  • Emphasizes the interconnectedness of human existence with the world and others
  • Influenced existentialist literature by focusing on characters' lived experiences and their engagement with their surroundings

Facticity and transcendence

  • Facticity refers to the given facts of one's existence (birth, death, physical limitations)
  • Transcendence involves the ability to surpass these limitations through choices and actions
  • Tension between facticity and transcendence creates the human condition of freedom within constraints
  • Explored in literature through characters grappling with their circumstances and striving to overcome limitations
  • Examples include the protagonist in Sartre's "The Age of Reason" and Meursault in Camus' "The Stranger"

Existential angst

  • Refers to the feeling of dread, anxiety, or anguish that arises from the awareness of one's freedom and responsibility
  • Often associated with the realization of life's meaninglessness and the burden of creating one's own purpose
  • Manifests in literature through characters experiencing psychological turmoil or existential crises
  • Can lead to feelings of despair, alienation, or a sense of absurdity
  • Explored in works like Sartre's "Nausea" and Camus' "The Myth of Sisyphus"

Radical freedom

  • Concept developed by Jean-Paul Sartre emphasizing the absolute freedom of human beings to make choices
  • Asserts that individuals are entirely responsible for their actions and the consequences that follow
  • Challenges deterministic views of human behavior and emphasizes personal accountability
  • Often portrayed in literature through characters facing difficult moral decisions or grappling with the weight of their choices
  • Examples include Orestes in Sartre's "The Flies" and Meursault in Camus' "The Stranger"

Critiques of existentialism

  • Existentialism faced various criticisms from different philosophical and ideological perspectives
  • These critiques challenged existentialist assumptions and highlighted potential limitations of the philosophy
  • Influenced the development of post-existentialist thought and literary movements in World Literature II

Marxist perspectives

  • Criticized existentialism for its focus on individual experience at the expense of social and economic factors
  • Argued that existentialism's emphasis on personal freedom ignored the material conditions that shape human existence
  • Viewed existentialist ideas as bourgeois and potentially reinforcing capitalist ideology
  • Challenged the notion of radical freedom, emphasizing the role of social and economic structures in shaping human choices
  • Influenced literary criticism and the development of socially engaged literature (Sartre's later works)

Feminist interpretations

  • Critiqued existentialism for its male-centric perspective and neglect of women's experiences
  • Simone de Beauvoir's "The Second Sex" applied existentialist ideas to analyze women's oppression
  • Argued that existentialism's concept of freedom failed to adequately address gender-based constraints and oppression
  • Developed existentialist feminism, exploring how women can assert their freedom in the face of societal expectations
  • Influenced feminist literature and criticism in World Literature II (Doris Lessing, Margaret Atwood)

Postmodern challenges

  • Questioned existentialism's assumptions about the unified self and the possibility of authentic existence
  • Challenged the idea of a stable, coherent identity, emphasizing the fragmented and socially constructed nature of the self
  • Critiqued existentialism's reliance on grand narratives and universal truths
  • Emphasized the role of language and discourse in shaping reality and human experience
  • Influenced the development of postmodern literature and literary theory (Italo Calvino, Jorge Luis Borges)

Legacy and influence

  • Existentialism left a lasting impact on philosophy, literature, and popular culture
  • Continues to influence contemporary thought and artistic expression
  • Shaped the development of various literary movements and styles in World Literature II

Impact on 20th century thought

  • Influenced various philosophical movements (phenomenology, postmodernism)
  • Shaped psychological theories and therapeutic approaches (existential psychology, logotherapy)
  • Contributed to the development of political philosophies (existential Marxism, anarchism)
  • Influenced religious and theological discourse (Christian existentialism, death of God theology)
  • Impacted artistic movements (abstract expressionism, theatre of the absurd)
  • Existentialist themes and ideas permeated various forms of media and entertainment
  • Influenced film directors (Ingmar Bergman, Woody Allen) and their exploration of existential themes
  • Shaped the development of counterculture movements and Beat literature (Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg)
  • Inspired musicians and songwriters (The Cure, Talking Heads) to explore existential themes in their lyrics
  • Influenced comic book and graphic novel creators (Alan Moore, Neil Gaiman) in their exploration of human nature and morality

Contemporary relevance

  • Existentialist ideas continue to resonate in contemporary literature and philosophy
  • Provides a framework for examining issues of identity, meaning, and authenticity in the digital age
  • Informs discussions on ethics, personal responsibility, and social engagement in a globalized world
  • Contributes to ongoing debates about free will, consciousness, and the nature of reality
  • Influences contemporary authors (David Foster Wallace, Haruki Murakami) in their exploration of the human condition

Key Terms to Review (31)

Absurdity: Absurdity refers to the inherent meaninglessness and irrationality of human existence, highlighting the conflict between individuals’ search for purpose and the chaotic, indifferent universe. This concept often emerges in various forms of art and literature, emphasizing the struggles of characters who grapple with a lack of meaning and clarity in their lives. It connects deeply to existentialist thought, where the absurd is a central theme that illustrates the human condition and the limits of reason.
Alienation: Alienation refers to a feeling of disconnection or estrangement from oneself, others, or society as a whole. This concept often highlights the struggles individuals face in modern life, reflecting their isolation amidst societal changes and personal crises. In literature, it serves as a key theme, illustrating the impact of modernity, existentialism, and absurdity on the human experience.
Authenticity: Authenticity refers to the quality of being genuine, real, and true to oneself, often emphasizing individual freedom and personal responsibility. In literature, it connects deeply with characters' struggles to find their own identity and purpose, particularly in existentialist thought where the quest for meaning is central. The notion of authenticity serves as a lens through which existentialist themes are explored, highlighting the tension between societal expectations and personal truth.
Bad faith: Bad faith refers to the act of deceiving oneself or others about one’s true motivations, often by denying personal responsibility or authenticity. It is a central concept in existential philosophy, particularly in the context of freedom and choice, where individuals avoid confronting their true selves and responsibilities to escape the anxiety that comes with absolute freedom.
Being and nothingness: Being and Nothingness is a fundamental concept in existentialist philosophy, particularly as articulated by Jean-Paul Sartre, which explores the nature of existence, consciousness, and the human experience of freedom. This concept emphasizes the contrast between 'being'—the state of existence filled with essence, identity, and substance—and 'nothingness,' which represents the absence of meaning, value, or purpose, underscoring the idea that humans must navigate a world that lacks inherent significance.
Being-in-the-world: Being-in-the-world refers to the fundamental experience of existing and engaging with the world as an interconnected entity, where one's identity and understanding are shaped by their interactions, choices, and the environment around them. This concept emphasizes that human existence is not merely a solitary experience but is deeply embedded within the social, cultural, and historical contexts that influence perception and meaning.
Dostoevsky's Underground Man: Dostoevsky's Underground Man is the protagonist of 'Notes from Underground,' a novella that explores themes of existentialism and the human condition. He embodies the struggles of individualism, alienation, and the search for meaning in a rapidly changing society, serving as a critique of rational egoism and utopian ideals prevalent in 19th-century Russia.
Essentialism: Essentialism is a philosophical concept that asserts the belief in a set of inherent, defining characteristics or qualities that make an entity what it is. This idea suggests that individuals and groups possess certain essential traits, often tied to identity or existence, which shape their behavior and experiences. In the context of existentialism, essentialism contrasts with the notion that existence precedes essence, meaning that individuals create their own identities through choices and actions.
Existential angst: Existential angst refers to the deep-seated anxiety and unease that arises from the individual's confrontation with the inherent meaninglessness of life, the weight of freedom, and the burden of personal choice. This feeling often reflects a struggle with self-identity, authenticity, and the human condition, leading to a sense of disorientation in a seemingly indifferent universe. In literature and philosophy, this concept resonates deeply with themes of isolation, despair, and the absurdity of existence.
Existential crisis: An existential crisis is a moment when an individual questions the very foundations of their life, including their purpose, values, and the nature of existence itself. It often arises in response to significant life events, such as loss, change, or a realization of mortality, leading to feelings of confusion, anxiety, and despair. This deep questioning can be linked to broader philosophical ideas about the meaning of life and personal identity.
Existential freedom: Existential freedom refers to the concept that individuals have the power to make their own choices and determine their own existence, independent of predetermined factors. This idea is central to existentialist thought, which emphasizes personal responsibility and the weight of choice in defining one's essence and identity. It suggests that people are not merely products of their circumstances, but rather active agents in shaping their lives and destinies.
Existentialism in literature: Existentialism in literature is a philosophical movement that focuses on individual existence, freedom, and choice, emphasizing the subjective experience of reality. It often explores themes of alienation, absurdity, and the search for meaning in a seemingly indifferent universe. This literary approach reflects deep questions about human existence and often portrays characters grappling with their own identity and moral dilemmas.
Facticity: Facticity refers to the concrete details of a person's life that influence their existence, including their social context, history, and the conditions they find themselves in. It highlights how individual experiences, limitations, and circumstances shape a person's identity and choices, ultimately impacting their freedom and responsibility within the framework of existential philosophy.
Freedom and responsibility: Freedom and responsibility refer to the philosophical concept that individuals possess the ability to make choices and take actions, while also bearing the consequences of those actions. This connection is crucial in existentialist thought, where the emphasis on individual autonomy leads to the recognition that with freedom comes an inherent responsibility for one’s choices and their impact on oneself and others.
Friedrich Nietzsche: Friedrich Nietzsche was a German philosopher known for his profound ideas about morality, existence, and the human condition. His works challenged traditional values and introduced concepts like the 'will to power' and 'eternal recurrence,' which influenced existentialist and absurdist thought. Nietzsche's exploration of individualism and meaning in a seemingly indifferent universe laid important groundwork for later existentialist thinkers and poets.
Is existence prior to essence?: The phrase 'is existence prior to essence?' is a fundamental question in existentialism, suggesting that individuals first exist and then create their own essence or meaning through actions and choices. This idea challenges traditional philosophical views where essence or purpose is predefined and inherent to an individual, placing emphasis on personal freedom, responsibility, and the subjective nature of human experience.
Jean-Paul Sartre: Jean-Paul Sartre was a French philosopher, playwright, novelist, and critic, widely recognized as one of the leading figures of 20th-century existentialism. His works delve into the complexities of human existence, freedom, and the burden of choice, significantly influencing both literature and philosophy.
Kafka's alienated protagonists: Kafka's alienated protagonists are characters that experience profound feelings of disconnection, isolation, and absurdity within their environments, often reflecting the existential struggles of the individual. These characters typically find themselves in surreal situations that highlight their inability to connect with society, revealing the complexities of human existence and the search for meaning in an indifferent world.
Kafkaesque: Kafkaesque describes situations that are surreal, nightmarish, or illogically complex, often highlighting the absurdity and helplessness of individuals in bureaucratic systems. This term is rooted in the works of Franz Kafka, where protagonists face inexplicable circumstances that evoke feelings of alienation, anxiety, and despair, reflecting existential themes prevalent in modern literature.
Nihilism: Nihilism is a philosophical belief that life is without objective meaning, purpose, or intrinsic value. It often leads to skepticism regarding moral truths and societal norms, challenging the foundations of meaning in existence. This perspective is crucial in understanding various literary movements, particularly in how characters confront or reject meaning in their lives, reflecting broader cultural anxieties in periods of change and uncertainty.
Phenomenology: Phenomenology is a philosophical approach that emphasizes the study of conscious experience from the first-person perspective. It seeks to explore how individuals perceive and make sense of their experiences, focusing on the structures of experience and consciousness rather than external reality. This approach has been influential in existentialism, as it aligns with the emphasis on individual existence and subjective experience.
Post-World War II Philosophy: Post-World War II philosophy refers to the intellectual movements and philosophical ideas that emerged after the devastation of World War II, characterized by a focus on existentialism, absurdism, and critiques of traditional philosophical frameworks. This period saw philosophers grappling with themes of alienation, meaninglessness, and individual freedom in the face of an uncertain world shaped by war and its aftermath. The profound sense of disillusionment prompted a reevaluation of human existence and the moral responsibilities of individuals in a fractured society.
Radical freedom: Radical freedom is the philosophical concept that emphasizes the idea that individuals possess complete autonomy to make choices and create meaning in their lives, free from external constraints or predetermined paths. This notion is central to existentialism, as it highlights the responsibility that comes with such freedom, suggesting that individuals must confront the consequences of their choices and define their essence through actions.
Sartre's novels and plays: Sartre's novels and plays are significant literary works that embody the principles of existentialism, a philosophical movement he helped popularize. These works explore themes such as freedom, absurdity, and the human condition, often portraying characters grappling with choices and the burden of existence. Sartre's unique style blends philosophy with narrative, reflecting the complexities of life and individual agency within an indifferent universe.
Simone de beauvoir: Simone de Beauvoir was a French existentialist philosopher, writer, and feminist known for her influential works that explored the nature of existence, freedom, and the condition of women. Her most famous work, 'The Second Sex,' challenged traditional views of women's roles in society and laid the groundwork for modern feminist thought, connecting existentialism with the struggle for gender equality.
Søren kierkegaard: Søren Kierkegaard was a Danish philosopher and theologian, often regarded as the father of existentialism. He emphasized individual existence, choice, and the importance of subjective experience, laying the groundwork for later existentialist thinkers. His work reflects a deep concern with the human condition, exploring concepts like anxiety, despair, and faith.
Subjectivity: Subjectivity refers to the way personal experiences, feelings, and thoughts shape an individual's perception of reality. It emphasizes the unique perspective each person brings, influenced by their emotions, beliefs, and cultural background. This concept is crucial in understanding how individuals interpret art, literature, and their existence, reflecting the inner workings of the human mind.
The second sex: The term 'the second sex' refers to the concept of women being perceived as the 'other' in relation to men, which was notably popularized by Simone de Beauvoir in her groundbreaking work. This idea highlights the societal and cultural constructions that position women in a subordinate role, influencing various areas such as philosophy, literature, and feminist thought. The term emphasizes the need to understand gender as a social construct, paving the way for deeper discussions about identity, equality, and liberation.
Transcendence: Transcendence refers to the act of going beyond ordinary limits or surpassing typical experiences, especially in a spiritual or philosophical context. In existentialism, it embodies the idea of individuals seeking to rise above the constraints of their existence, allowing them to create meaning in an otherwise indifferent universe. This concept highlights the struggle for authenticity and self-definition amidst societal expectations.
übermensch: The term übermensch, or 'overman,' was introduced by the philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche to describe an individual who transcends conventional morality to create their own values and meaning in life. This concept is pivotal in existentialism, emphasizing personal agency, the rejection of societal norms, and the pursuit of authenticity and self-creation. The übermensch embodies the idea of self-overcoming and serves as an ideal for humanity's potential.
What is the meaning of life?: The meaning of life refers to the significance or purpose that individuals ascribe to their existence and experiences. In existentialism, this concept emphasizes individual freedom, choice, and the quest for authenticity, suggesting that meaning is not pre-given but must be created through personal actions and decisions.
Absurdity
See definition

Absurdity refers to the inherent meaninglessness and irrationality of human existence, highlighting the conflict between individuals’ search for purpose and the chaotic, indifferent universe. This concept often emerges in various forms of art and literature, emphasizing the struggles of characters who grapple with a lack of meaning and clarity in their lives. It connects deeply to existentialist thought, where the absurd is a central theme that illustrates the human condition and the limits of reason.

Term 1 of 31

Absurdity
See definition

Absurdity refers to the inherent meaninglessness and irrationality of human existence, highlighting the conflict between individuals’ search for purpose and the chaotic, indifferent universe. This concept often emerges in various forms of art and literature, emphasizing the struggles of characters who grapple with a lack of meaning and clarity in their lives. It connects deeply to existentialist thought, where the absurd is a central theme that illustrates the human condition and the limits of reason.

Term 1 of 31



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© 2025 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.