Existentialism

Definition ex·is·ten·tial·ism A philosophical theory or approach that emphasizes the existence of the individual person as a free and responsible agent determining their own development through acts of the will  


History Existentialism became popular in post World War years as a way for humans to reassert the importance of individuality and freedom. Became a well known philosophical and cultural movement from 1930’s-1970’s. Existential themes have been discussed throughout philosophy and literature: Socrates- “Be true to thyself”

Existentialists Soren Kiekergaard Viewed as Father of Existentialism Felt individual was responsible for giving life meaning and living that life passionately Focused on subjective experiences of humans rather than the objective truths provided by math and science

Jean-Paul Sartre In 1945, adopted Existential term to describe his philosophy Major concept of his philosophy was freedom and responsibility “Man first of all exists, encounters himself, surges up in the world and defines himself afterward.”

Existentialism is Living the search for meaning in existentialism is the search for self…

Existentialism is not dark. It is not depressing. It is about life. Existentialists believe in living — and in fighting for life. Camus, Sartre, and even Nietzsche were involved in various wars because they believed passionately in fighting for the survival of their nations and peoples. The politics of existentialists varies, but each seeks the most individual freedom for people within a society.

Karl Jaspers “Existenz philosophy” is the way of thought by means of which a man seeks to become himself.

The three writers who appear invariably on every list of existentialists — Jaspers, Heidegger, and Sartre — are not in agreement on essentials. By the time we consider adding Rilke, Kafka, and Camus, it becomes plain that one essential feature shared by all these men is individualism. Existentialism; Kaufmann, p. 11

Existentialism Focuses on conditions of human existence: Emotions Actions Responsibilities Thoughts Meaning or purpose of life

The underlying concepts of existentialism are simple: Mankind has free will. Life is a series of choices, creating stress. Few decisions are without any negative consequences. Some things are irrational or absurd, without explanation. If one makes a decision, he or she must follow through.

Even trusting science is often a “leap of faith.” Existentialism (broadly defined) is a set of philosophical systems concerned with free will, choice, and personal responsibility. Because we make choices based on our experiences, beliefs, and biases, those choices are unique to us — and made without an objective form of truth. There are no “universal” guidelines for most decisions. Even trusting science is often a “leap of faith.”

The existentialists conclude that human choice is subjective; individuals must make their own choices without help from such external standards as laws, ethical rules, or traditions. Because individuals make their own choices, they are free; but because they freely choose, they are completely responsible for their choices. The existentialists emphasize that freedom is necessarily accompanied by responsibility.

“condemned to be free.” …since individuals are forced to choose for themselves, they have their freedom — and therefore their responsibility — thrust upon them.

For existentialism, responsibility is the dark side of freedom The realization that one is completely responsible for their decisions, actions, and beliefs can lead to acute anxiety. The existentialists criticize flight from freedom and responsibility as self-deception. Individuals must accept full responsibility for their behaviour, no matter how difficult. To live meaningfully and authentically you must become fully aware of the true character of the human situation and bravely accept it.

Beliefs of Existentialists Existence precedes essence Human essence is determined through life choices Tragic experiences or insightful moments can cause humans to question meaning of life. We make “pillars” in our identity. Basing one’s identity solely on a “pillar” with a condition can lead to living in despair. Philosophy encourages preservation in spite of absurdity

Beliefs of Existentialists Human beings create their own values through choice. These values help them create a meaning for their life. Their identity is defined by actions and their responsibility for those actions. Humans have freedom, but with that freedom comes the responsibility we have to make choices. Each choice can lead to a success or a failure.

Beliefs of Existentialists Humans take a “leap of faith” that no matter the outcome, success or failure, they will make it. We live in angst. We have no one to blame for our choices but ourselves. This responsibility can lead to dread and anxiety over choosing. If you choose not to make a choice, you are not living authentically.

Beliefs of Existentialists A limitation and condition of our freedom is our facticity, or mode of “not being”. Our past consists of things one can’t chose (birthplace, parents, etc.) and we depend on values we develop in our past. We are a part of our past, present and future self. Not one self lives independently.

Existentialism does not support any of the following: The good life is one of wealth, pleasure, or honor. Social approval and social structure trump the individual. Accept what is and that is enough in life. Science can and will make everything better. People are good by nature, ruined by society or external forces.

Franz Kafka Absurdist, Jewish Similar to Camus, Sartre, in depictions of cruel fate. Kafka presents a world that is at once real and dreamlike and in which individuals burdened with guilt, isolation, and anxiety make a futile search for personal salvation.  

Albert Camus Existentialist / Absurdist, Atheist French Resistance member during WWII Brought “humanism” to his existentialism. His belief that man’s condition is absurd identified him with the existentialists, but he denied allegiance to that group; his works express rather a courageous humanism.

The characters in his novels and plays, although keenly aware of the meaninglessness of the human condition, assert their humanity by rebelling against their circumstances. {Paraphrase of Kaufmann} Camus marks the finale of existentialism… an attempt to move beyond what Sartre had defined. Camus cannot be called an existentialist, but his ideas evolved alongside those of Sartre and existentialism.