Existentialism
Definition:
Existentialism is a philosophical movement that emphasizes the existence of the individual as a free and responsible agent determining their own development through acts of will. It focuses on the individual’s experience of existence and explores questions about the meaning and purpose of life, freedom, choice, and the nature of human existence.
Key Tenets:
- Individual Freedom: Existentialism accentuates the importance of individual freedom, emphasizing that individuals have the power to make choices and shape their own destiny.
- Existential Anxiety: It acknowledges that humans experience anxiety, doubt, and despair due to the inherent uncertainty and meaninglessness of life. These emotions arise from the awareness of one’s own existence and the responsibility to give life meaning.
- Authenticity and Authentic Existence: Existentialism emphasizes the importance of living authentically, being true to oneself, and embracing individuality. It advocates for individuals to live purposefully and take responsibility for the choices they make.
- Existential Alienation: It recognizes that individuals can feel alienated and isolated in modern society, where conformity, social norms, and external expectations can restrict personal freedom and individual expression.
- Existential Choice: Existentialism emphasizes the significance of making choices and decisions based on personal values and beliefs, rather than adhering to societal expectations or predetermined ideologies.
- Meaning and Absurdity: Existentialism explores the question of existence’s meaning in the face of the absurdity and irrationality of the world. It encourages individuals to create their own meaning in life through personal experiences and relationships.
Key Thinkers:
- Søren Kierkegaard
- Friedrich Nietzsche
- Martin Heidegger
- Jean-Paul Sartre
- Albert Camus