What is existentialism, really? A clear guide to the philosophy of existence — from Kierkegaard's leap of faith to Camus's absurd hero, and why it matters in the 21st century.
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kierkegaard philosophy explained: insights from kierkegaard: the father of existentialism. # Kierkegaard: The Father of Existentialism Søren
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Existentialism is the philosophy that takes your life crisis seriously. Learn more in our article on Evolution Explained: From Darwin to Modern Genetics. Learn more in our article on Existentialism Explained: Freedom, Responsibility, and the Search for Meaning. Learn more in our article on Existentialism Explained: A Beginner's Guide to the Philosophy of Freedom. While other philosophies ask "What is true?" or "What is good?", existentialism asks the most personal question of all: "What does it mean to exist?" At its core, existentialism explores the struggle of individuals to define their own essence and meaning in an indifferent universe. Learn more in our article on What Is Existentialism? Meaning, Key Ideas & Philosophers. It is a deeply individualistic philosophy, one that prioritizes personal freedom, responsibility, and the search for authenticity.
The foundational claim of existentialism is that existence precedes essence. This means that individuals are not born with a predefined nature or purpose. Instead, we exist first and then define ourselves through our actions and choices. This flips traditional philosophical theories on their head, as it suggests that there is no inherent meaning or script to follow in life — it's up to each person to create their own path. While this idea is liberating, it is also daunting, as it places the full responsibility for one's identity and essence on the individual.
This existential freedom is both a gift and a burden. It empowers individuals to carve their own paths but also leaves them solely accountable for their actions and the person they become. This duality of freedom and responsibility is central to existentialist thought and underscores the philosophy’s enduring relevance.
To fully appreciate existentialism, it's helpful to understand the historical context in which it emerged. The 19th and 20th centuries were times of immense social, political, and technological upheaval. The Industrial Revolution disrupted traditional ways of life, bringing about rapid urbanization and changes in social structures. Moreover, the two World Wars shook the foundations of Western civilization, leading to a deep sense of disillusionment and questioning of established norms and values.
Amidst this backdrop of uncertainty and change, existentialism offered a framework for understanding human existence in a world that seemed increasingly void of inherent meaning. It provided a way to grapple with the alienation and existential dread that many felt in the face of modern life’s complexities.
Søren Kierkegaard, a Danish philosopher, is often credited as the father of existentialism. Although he never used the term himself, his work laid the groundwork for many existentialist ideas. Kierkegaard was critical of the systematic philosophy of his time, particularly that of Hegel, which he felt neglected the individual's subjective experience.
Kierkegaard proposed that life requires a leap of faith. This leap is a metaphor for the decision to embrace faith or belief in something greater than oneself, despite the absence of rational evidence. For Kierkegaard, reason alone could not resolve the deepest questions of human existence. At a certain point, individuals must make a choice, and this choice is what defines them.
Kierkegaard identified three stages of existence, through which individuals can progress, each offering a different approach to life:
Through these stages, Kierkegaard explored the complexity of human existence and the journey toward becoming one's true self.
Friedrich Nietzsche, a German philosopher, is known for his provocative statements and radical ideas. His declaration that "God is dead" is one of his most famous and controversial assertions. Nietzsche argued that the rise of science and secularism in the modern world had "killed" the traditional Christian God as a source of meaning and moral guidance.
However, Nietzsche saw this as an opportunity rather than a cause for despair. Without the constraints of divine purpose, humans have the freedom to create their own values and meaning.
Central to Nietzsche’s philosophy is the concept of the Übermensch or "overman." The Übermensch is not about being superior to others; rather, it represents the ideal of self-overcoming and self-creation. The Übermensch embraces life’s challenges and actively shapes their destiny through willpower and creativity.
Nietzsche also introduced the idea of eternal recurrence, which suggests that one should live life as though they would have to repeat it over and over again in exactly the same way. This thought experiment challenges individuals to consider whether they are living authentically and making choices they would be willing to face eternally.
Jean-Paul Sartre, a French existentialist philosopher, is perhaps the most systematic thinker of the existentialist movement. His famous assertion that "existence precedes essence" encapsulates the existentialist rejection of predetermined nature. Sartre argued that individuals are not born with a fixed essence; rather, they create themselves through their actions.
Sartre introduced several key concepts that are central to existentialist thought:
Simone de Beauvoir, an existentialist philosopher and feminist, made significant contributions to existentialism through her exploration of gender and freedom. Learn more in our article on Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir: Philosophy, Love, and Existential Freedom. Her seminal work, The Second Sex, delved into the existentialist analysis of gender, famously asserting, "One is not born, but rather becomes, a woman."
De Beauvoir argued that society constructs "woman" as the Other — an object defined by male subjectivity. This objectification limits women's freedom and identity. She called for women to claim their existential freedom and define themselves, rather than allowing society to impose an identity upon them.
Through her work, de Beauvoir extended existentialism's ideas of freedom and authenticity to the realm of gender, inspiring generations of feminist thinkers.
Albert Camus, although he rejected the existentialist label, is often associated with existentialist themes. He focused on the concept of the absurd, which describes the conflict between humans' desire for meaning and the universe's indifferent silence.
In The Myth of Sisyphus, Camus uses the Greek mythological figure Sisyphus, who is condemned to push a boulder uphill only for it to roll back down, as a metaphor for human existence. Despite the futility of Sisyphus's task, Camus concludes that "one must imagine Sisyphus happy." He argues that meaning is not inherent in the world but is created through engagement with life itself.
By embracing the absurd and owning one's struggle, individuals can find joy and freedom in the act of living.
Existentialism is often confused with nihilism, but the two philosophies offer very different perspectives. Nihilism asserts that nothing matters and that life is devoid of meaning, leading to a sense of hopelessness and despair. In contrast, existentialism acknowledges that nothing matters inherently but argues that individuals can create their own meaning through authentic living. It is an active response to the void, emphasizing personal responsibility and engagement with life rather than resignation.
Authenticity is a central theme in existentialism, emphasizing living in alignment with one's true self rather than conforming to societal expectations. Martin Heidegger, another existentialist thinker, referred to inauthentic existence as "das Man" — living as "the they," doing what "one does." Authenticity involves making genuine choices and taking ownership of one's life.
Existential anxiety, also known as existential dread, is not ordinary worry but a deeper awareness of freedom, mortality, and the groundlessness of existence. This anxiety is a natural response to confronting the realities of life, and while uncomfortable, it is a sign that one is living honestly and confronting existential questions.
Existentialists take death seriously, not morbidly, but as the reality that gives life urgency and significance. Heidegger's concept of "being-toward-death" suggests that only by confronting mortality can individuals live authentically. By acknowledging the finite nature of life, one can make more meaningful choices and live with greater intensity.
In today's world, characterized by social media performance, algorithmic curation, and identity politics, existentialism's questions are more pertinent than ever:
Existentialism does not provide easy answers but poses essential questions that compel individuals to examine their lives critically.
In the digital age, social media platforms allow individuals to curate and present idealized versions of themselves. This often leads to questions about authenticity and the nature of selfhood. Are the personas created online truly reflective of one's essence, or are they performances crafted to meet societal expectations?
Existentialism encourages individuals to explore these questions and strive for authenticity in both digital and physical realms. It challenges the facade of social media and calls for introspection and self-exploration.
Existential themes have also found relevance in the field of psychology and mental health. Existential therapy, influenced by existentialist philosophy, addresses issues such as alienation, meaninglessness, and existential anxiety. It empowers individuals to confront these feelings and take responsibility for creating their own meaning and purpose in life.
Recent studies highlight the effectiveness of existential therapy in helping individuals navigate the complexities of modern life, providing tools to deal with existential angst and foster a sense of empowerment.
Existentialism offers a profound exploration of human existence, a philosophy that challenges individuals to confront the realities of freedom, choice, and authenticity. From Kierkegaard's leap of faith to Camus's embrace of the absurd, existentialist thinkers provide a rich tapestry of ideas that continue to resonate in contemporary discussions about identity, freedom, and the search for meaning.
By engaging with the questions posed by existentialism, individuals can embark on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth, forging their own paths in a world that provides no ready-made answers. Through this exploration, existentialism serves as a reminder that while nothing is predetermined, everything is possible through the choices we make and the lives we lead.
