EXISTENCIALISMO - História, Princípios, Conceitos, Ideias e Aplicação na Psicologia

Summary

The transcript delves into existentialism, a philosophical movement that gained prominence post-World War II, with roots in 19th-century thinkers like Dostoevsky and Nietzsche. Focusing on human existence, it emphasizes individual freedom, choice, and the subjective nature of reality. Central to existentialism is the idea that 'existence precedes essence,' meaning humans define their essence through choices and actions. The script also explores existentialism’s critique of determinism and its emphasis on personal responsibility, the role of consciousness, and the interplay between subjective experience and objective reality. Key philosophers discussed include Sartre, Heidegger, and the influence of phenomenology.

Takeaways

• 😀 Existentialism emerged as a major philosophical movement after World War II, with roots in 19th-century thinkers like Dostoevsky, Nietzsche, and Heidegger, later revived by Sartre.
• 😀 Unlike other philosophies that sought to explain truth, origin, or destiny, existentialism focuses on human existence, emphasizing personal meaning and individual responsibility.
• 😀 Phenomenology, as proposed by Husserl, is a key influence on existentialism, stating that knowledge is only possible through the subject's perception of an object, not the object itself.
• 😀 Sartre's famous assertion 'existence precedes essence' means that humans are born without predetermined essence and must create their own identity through choices and actions.
• 😀 Existentialism rejects determinism, asserting that humans are free to choose and are solely responsible for the meaning and direction of their lives.
• 😀 Sartre argues that human consciousness is intentional, meaning it is always directed toward something, and that humans must navigate their own freedom and responsibility.
• 😀 A central idea in existentialism is the concept of transcendence, where humans go beyond mere existence and actively define their essence through choices.
• 😀 The subjective nature of human reality is intertwined with the objective world, and existentialism emphasizes the interplay between individual freedom and societal context.
• 😀 Existentialism critiques mechanistic or deterministic views of human behavior, as seen in behaviorism, and advocates for a more dynamic, dialectical understanding of human experience.
• 😀 Sartre introduced the biographical method in psychology, focusing on the individual's personal history and social context to understand their subjective experience and choices.

Q & A

What is existentialism, and how did it gain prominence after World War II?

Existentialism is a philosophical movement that focuses on the individual human experience, emphasizing freedom, choice, and the meaning individuals create for their lives. After World War II, it gained prominence due to its appeal in a world struggling with the aftermath of the war, where traditional beliefs about meaning and morality were being questioned.

What philosophers influenced the development of existentialism?

Existentialism has roots in the works of 19th-century philosophers such as Fyodor Dostoevsky, Jean-Paul Sartre, Edmund Husserl, and Martin Heidegger. Sartre later became one of the leading figures in existentialism.

How does existentialism differ from traditional philosophical approaches?

Unlike traditional philosophies that seek to uncover universal truths, origins, or rational ethics, existentialism focuses on the individual's daily life, feelings, and unique experiences. It suggests that meaning is not inherent in the world but must be created by the individual.

How does phenomenology relate to existentialism?

Phenomenology, particularly the work of Edmund Husserl, laid the foundation for existentialism by emphasizing that knowledge is based on the individual's perception of phenomena, not on an objective reality. This idea influenced existentialist thought, particularly in understanding human consciousness and existence.

What does Sartre mean by 'existence precedes essence'?

Sartre's concept of 'existence precedes essence' means that humans first exist, and then through their actions and choices, they define their essence or identity. This contrasts with traditional views where essence (the nature of being) is predetermined.

How does existentialism view human freedom and responsibility?

Existentialism asserts that humans are free to make choices and shape their lives. However, this freedom also comes with responsibility, as individuals must take ownership of their actions and decisions, without relying on external forces or predetermined fate.

What role does consciousness play in Sartre's existentialism?

Consciousness, in Sartre's existentialism, is intentional and always directed towards something. It is not a passive receiver but an active force that defines itself through its engagement with the world. Sartre also distinguishes between the 'in-itself' (objects) and the 'for-itself' (consciousness).

What is the concept of 'transcendence' in existentialism?

In existentialism, transcendence refers to the human ability to surpass mere existence and actively define oneself through choices and actions. It is the process through which individuals give their lives meaning, going beyond just existing as objects.

What does Sartre mean by the 'project of being'?

The 'project of being' refers to the existentialist idea that each person is constantly working to define and redefine themselves through their actions and choices. It involves the ongoing process of becoming who we are, shaped by our interactions with the world and our unique experiences.

How does existentialism relate to psychoanalysis, according to Sartre?

Sartre integrates psychoanalysis with existentialism by focusing on the individual's personal history and the psychological factors that shape their existence. He critiques mechanistic and deterministic models, emphasizing the role of individual freedom in shaping one's identity.