5. Existentialism

Existentialism is a philosophical movement that emphasizes individual freedom, choice and the subjective experience of existence. It explores themes like the meaning (or lack of meaning) of life, the nature of human existence and the challenges of making authentic choices in a world that often appears irrational or indifferent. Existentialism emerged in the 19th and 20th centuries and became especially influential after World War II.

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Key concepts of existentialism include:

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• Existence Precedes Essence: One of the central ideas of existentialism is that human beings do not have a predefined purpose or essence. Rather, we are born and must define our own identity and meaning through our choices and actions. This contrasts with the traditional philosophical view that things have a set nature or purpose (essence) before they exist.​

• Freedom and Responsibility: Existentialism asserts that humans are fundamentally free to make choices, but this freedom comes with profound responsibility. Since there is no universal blueprint for how to live, we must take full ownership of our actions and the consequences, without relying on external rules or societal norms for guidance.​

• The Absurd: The "absurd" is a key theme in existentialism, referring to the conflict between human beings' desire for meaning and the chaotic, indifferent nature of the universe. Philosophers like Albert Camus argued that life has no inherent meaning, and yet people continually search for purpose. Recognizing this absurdity is part of the existentialist experience, but instead of despairing, we must create our own meaning in an absurd world.​

• Authenticity: To live authentically means to acknowledge and embrace one's freedom, make choices based on personal conviction and resist conforming to societal expectations. Existentialists argue that many people live "inauthentic" lives, following social conventions, religion, or tradition without questioning their choices. Authenticity is about confronting the reality of freedom and making genuine choices.​

• Angst, Dread, and Anxiety: Because existentialism involves confronting the freedom to shape our own life without certainty or guidance, it often leads to feelings of angst or existential anxiety. This is the deep sense of dread or anxiety that arises when we realize the weight of personal responsibility and the lack of predetermined meaning in life.​

• Alienation and Isolation: Existentialists explore the theme of alienation, where we feel disconnected from society, other people, or even ourselves. This feeling can stem from the recognition of the absurd, the isolation of personal responsibility, or the realization that our life is ultimately our own to define.​

• Death and Finitude: Existentialism places significant emphasis on the reality of death. Acknowledging our mortality is seen as essential to living authentically because it forces us to confront the finite nature of existence and the urgency of creating meaning in our life.

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Prominent Existentialist Philosophers:

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• Søren Kierkegaard (often considered the father of existentialism) explored themes like faith, despair and the individual's relationship with God.

• Friedrich Nietzsche emphasized the importance of personal power, the will to create one's own values, and famously declared "God is dead," challenging the idea of a universal moral order.

• Jean-Paul Sartre, one of the most famous existentialists, argued for radical freedom and personal responsibility. His phrase "existence precedes essence" captures the heart of existentialist thought.

• Albert Camus focused on the absurd and the human struggle to find meaning, famously discussing the "Myth of Sisyphus" as a metaphor for the human condition.

• Simone de Beauvoir explored existentialism through the lens of gender and ethics, especially in her work on the nature of freedom and women's oppression in "The Second Sex."

 

In essence, existentialism grapples with the profound questions of what it means to be human in a world without intrinsic meaning or purpose, and how we can live authentically despite the existential challenges we face.