Introduction to Existentialism

Key Concepts

• Existentialism is a philosophical movement emphasizing individual existence, freedom, and responsibility. It rejects the idea of a pre-determined essence or purpose for human beings.
• Existentialists argue that humans are born into a world without inherent meaning and must create their own values and meaning through choices and actions.
• This freedom of choice comes with a profound sense of responsibility, as the individual is entirely accountable for their existence.
• Existentialism often explores themes of anxiety, anguish, and absurdity, as the individual confronts the inherent meaninglessness of existence.

Key Figures in Existentialism

• Søren Kierkegaard: A precursor to existentialism, Kierkegaard emphasized individual subjectivity, faith, and personal responsibility in finding meaning.
• Friedrich Nietzsche: Critiqued traditional morality and religion, advocating for the "death of God" and the need for individuals to create their own values. He explored themes of will to power and embracing life's uncertainties.
• Jean-Paul Sartre: A central figure, Sartre articulated "existence precedes essence," stating that people exist first, then develop their character through choices.
• Albert Camus: Emphasized the absurdity of the human condition, arguing that in a meaningless universe, individuals must revolt against their circumstances and embrace life's challenges with courage and passion.
• Simone de Beauvoir: A prominent feminist philosopher, de Beauvoir explored the existential condition of women in a patriarchal society, challenging essentialist views and advocating for women's freedom.

Core Themes

• Existence Precedes Essence: Humans are born without a predetermined nature or purpose, creating their own essence through choices and actions.
• Freedom and Responsibility: Existentialists emphasize the profound freedom humans possess yet also the responsibility for their choices. This freedom can lead to anxiety and anguish.
• Absurdity: The recognition of the conflict between humanity's desire for meaning and the apparent meaninglessness of the universe.
• Anguish and Anxiety: The inherent fear and uncertainty arising from acknowledging human freedom and responsibility, demanding self-creation of values and meaning.
• Authenticity: Creating meaning aligned with personal values and choices, rejecting externally imposed values.
• Bad Faith: The denial of freedom and responsibility, adopting behaviours that avoid facing the inherent meaninglessness of life.
• Rebellion: Asserting freedom and individuality against an absurd or meaningless universe; embracing life despite the lack of inherent purpose.

Branches of Existentialism

• Christian Existentialism: This branch, heavily influenced by Kierkegaard, tries to reconcile existentialist principles with religious faith.
• Atheistic Existentialism: Emphasizes the implications of a world without inherent meaning, focusing on human freedom and responsibility in this context (e.g., Sartre).
• Existential Phenomenology: Combining existentialism with phenomenology, it explores human experience emphasizing individuals’ construction of their reality through consciousness.

Impact and Legacy

• Existentialism profoundly influenced literature, art, psychology, and philosophy.
• It inspired exploration of themes like individual freedom, responsibility, anxiety, and the search for meaning in a seemingly indifferent universe.
• Existentialist ideas continue to resonate with individuals navigating life’s purpose and meaning in modern society.