What Is Existentialism?
Existentialism is a philosophical movement focused on individual existence, freedom, and the search for meaning in a seemingly indifferent universe. It addresses the human condition—our finitude, our freedom, our anxiety about existence.
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Core Ideas
Existence Precedes Essence
Sartre's famous formulation: We exist first, then define ourselves through choices. There's no human "nature" determining what we are—we create ourselves.
Radical Freedom
We are "condemned to be free" (Sartre). We can't escape making choices, and we're responsible for those choices. Bad faith is pretending we have no choice.
Anxiety and Authenticity
Confronting our freedom causes anxiety (angst). Authentic living means accepting this freedom rather than hiding from it in conformity or self-deception.
Absurdity
Camus argued that the universe is indifferent to our desire for meaning. This absurdity is the gap between our need for purpose and the universe's silence.
Individual Responsibility
No excuses—we're responsible for what we become. We can't blame nature, society, or circumstances for our choices.
Key Figures
Søren Kierkegaard (1813-1855)
- Individual existence over abstract systems
- The "leap of faith"
- Anxiety as fundamental to human existence
Friedrich Nietzsche (1844-1900)
- Life without traditional values
- Creating your own values
- Becoming who you are
Jean-Paul Sartre (1905-1980)
- Being and Nothingness
- "Existence precedes essence"
- Radical freedom and responsibility
Albert Camus (1913-1960)
- The Myth of Sisyphus
- "One must imagine Sisyphus happy"
- Revolt against meaninglessness
Simone de Beauvoir (1908-1986)
- Women's experience (The Second Sex)
- Ethics and ambiguity
- Freedom in social context
Existentialism in Practice
- Take responsibility for your choices
- Create your own meaning and values
- Face anxiety honestly
- Live authentically, not by others' expectations
- Recognize your radical freedom
Criticisms
- Is radical freedom realistic? We're shaped by biology, society, psychology
- Does it lead to relativism? If we create values, are any better than others?
- Is it too individualistic? We exist in relation to others
Lasting Influence
- Literature and theater (Beckett, Kafka)
- Psychology (logotherapy, existential therapy)
- Pop culture (continues to resonate)
- How we think about freedom and meaning