What is Existentialism?

Summary

Existentialism, a philosophical movement initiated by Kierkegaard and popularized by Sartre, emphasizes individual existence, freedom, and choice. It acknowledges life's inherent absurdity—our quest for meaning in a purposeless universe—but champions the human capacity to make rational decisions and define personal meaning. Existentialists advocate embracing life's absurdities, as seen in Nietzsche's 'amor fati', to rise above humanity's essentially absurd condition.

Takeaways

• 📚 Existentialism is a philosophical movement, not a branch of philosophy.
• 🌐 Originated by Danish philosopher Soren Kierkegaard in the 19th century and popularized by French existentialist Jean-Paul Sartre post-war.
• 🤔 There is no universally accepted definition of existentialism, as it is viewed from various perspectives by different philosophers.
• 🇩🇪 German philosopher Martin Heidegger preferred the term 'existential philosophy' over 'existentialism' and avoided its use.
• 🌟 Existentialism is described as a philosophy of life, focusing on the meaning of life.
• 👤 It emphasizes the individual's unique position as a self-determining agent, responsible for making meaningful, authentic choices.
• 🔍 Existentialism is characterized by its concern with individual existence, freedom, and choice.
• 🏙️ Life is seen as inherently absurd, characterized by a conflict between the human tendency to seek meaning and the inability to find it in a chaotic universe.
• 🌱 Despite life's absurdity, existential philosophers believe in the possibility of humans defining their own meaning in life.
• 💪 Embracing life's absurdities and making rational decisions is a key existential attitude, exemplified by Friedrich Nietzsche's concept of 'amor fati'.

Q & A

What is existentialism?

Existentialism is a philosophical movement that emphasizes individual existence, freedom, and choice. It is concerned with the meaning of life and the individual's unique position as a self-determining agent.

Who is considered to have formally initiated the existentialist movement?

The Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard is credited with formally initiating the existentialist movement during the second half of the 19th century.

How was existentialism developed and popularized after Kierkegaard?

Existentialism was further developed and popularized by the French existentialist Jean-Paul Sartre, especially during the post-war period.

Why is there no single universally accepted definition of existentialism?

There is no single universally accepted definition of existentialism because many existential philosophers view it from different perspectives, and the movement itself resists being limited to one absolute understanding.

Why did Heidegger avoid using the term 'existentialism'?

Heidegger preferred the term 'existential philosophy' over 'existentialism', likely because he saw existentialism as a broader and more fluid concept that should not be confined by a specific term.

What is the root concept of existentialism?

The root concept of existentialism comes from the word 'existence', making it a philosophy of life that focuses on the individual's quest for meaning.

What does existentialism suggest about the nature of life?

Existentialism suggests that life, as it appears and is experienced, is characterized by absurdity—a conflict between the human search for inherent value and meaning and the inability to find any in a chaotic and irrational universe.

How do existential philosophers view the concept of an absurd life?

Existential philosophers view life as absurd and seemingly meaningless, yet they believe that humans have the freedom to make rational decisions and define their own meaning in life.

What is the significance of embracing life's absurdities according to existentialism?

Embracing life's absurdities is significant in existentialism because it allows individuals to make life meaningful despite its inherent lack of purpose, by accepting and living passionately through all experiences.

What is Friedrich Nietzsche's concept of 'amor fati', and how does it relate to existentialism?

Friedrich Nietzsche's 'amor fati', or love of one's fate, is the idea of a resolute and enthusiastic acceptance of everything that has happened in one's life. It is an existential attitude that aligns with the philosophy's emphasis on embracing life's absurdities.

In what way does existentialism view human freedom in an irrational world?

Existentialism views human freedom as the capacity to make choices and rise above the absurd conditions of humanity, despite living in an irrational world.