What Is Existentialism?
Existentialism is a philosophy focused on individual existence, freedom, and choice. It emerged in the 19th-20th centuries as a response to traditional systems.
The Core Idea
"Existence precedes essence." — Jean-Paul Sartre
Unlike a hammer (designed for a purpose), humans exist first and define themselves through choices. There's no pre-given human nature.
Key Existentialist Thinkers
- Danish philosopher, often called existentialism's father
- Emphasized subjective truth and individual choice
- Explored anxiety as fundamental to human existence
- Proclaimed "God is dead" — meaning traditional values had lost authority
- Called for creating new values through will
- Influenced existentialism despite not using the term
- French philosopher who named and defined existentialism
- "We are condemned to be free" — freedom is inescapable
- Bad faith: pretending we don't have choices
- Explored the "absurd" — the gap between our desire for meaning and the universe's silence
- We must imagine Sisyphus happy
Key Concepts
#### Radical Freedom
You're always choosing, even when you don't choose. Refusing to decide is a decision. This responsibility can cause anxiety.
#### Authenticity
Living according to your own values, not society's expectations. The opposite is "bad faith" — pretending external forces control you.
#### Absurdity
Life doesn't come with meaning. This creates the "absurd" — our longing for purpose in a purposeless universe.
Camus said we can respond by:
1. Suicide (rejected)
2. Religious leap (rejected)
3. Embracing absurdity and living fully anyway (accepted)
Why It Matters Today
- Loss of traditional certainties
- Overwhelming choice
- Search for authentic selfhood
Related Reading
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