Existentialism: Crash Course Philosophy #16

Summary

This Crash Course Philosophy episode delves into the search for life's meaning, contrasting essentialism—the belief in a predetermined purpose—with existentialism, which posits that existence precedes essence. It explores Friedrich Nietzsche's nihilism and Jean-Paul Sartre's concept of 'condemned to be free,' highlighting the individual's responsibility to create their own meaning in an inherently meaningless universe. The episode encourages embracing the freedom to define one's own essence and purpose, suggesting that existentialism offers both a daunting and exhilarating perspective on life.

Takeaways

• 🧐 The video discusses the search for meaning in life, exploring various avenues such as religion, social justice, education, and art.
• 🤔 It introduces existentialists who believe that life can have meaning, but also that it inherently lacks any predetermined purpose.
• 📚 The script contrasts essentialism, the belief that everything has an inherent essence and purpose, with existentialism, which posits that existence precedes essence.
• 👶 Essentialism suggests that our purpose is given to us before birth, while existentialism argues that we are born without a set purpose and must create our own.
• 💭 Friedrich Nietzsche is highlighted as a philosopher who embraced nihilism, the belief in the ultimate meaninglessness of life.
• 🇫🇷 Jean-Paul Sartre is presented as a key figure in existentialism, proposing that we are 'condemned to be free' and must create our own essence.
• 🌐 The concept of 'the absurd' in existentialism is explained as the human search for meaning in a universe devoid of inherent meaning.
• 🏛 The script mentions that existentialism is not synonymous with atheism, as some existentialists, like Kierkegaard, believe in God but reject the idea of a purposeful creation.
• 🚫 Existentialists argue against teleology, the belief that there is a purpose or end goal to existence, suggesting instead that life is purposeless.
• 🛑 Sartre's idea of 'authentic living' is discussed, emphasizing the importance of living life with full acceptance of one's freedom and creating one's own values.
• 🌟 The video concludes by suggesting that existentialism can be seen as both bleak and exhilarating, as it places the onus of finding meaning squarely on the individual.

Q & A

What is the central theme of the Crash Course Philosophy episode on existentialism?

The central theme of the episode is the exploration of existentialism, particularly the idea that 'existence precedes essence,' and how individuals find or create meaning in a world that is inherently devoid of inherent purpose.

What is essentialism, and how does it differ from existentialism?

Essentialism is the belief that everything, including humans, has an inherent essence or purpose. It contrasts with existentialism, which posits that individuals first exist and then must create their own essence or purpose in life.

Who are some philosophers mentioned in the script that contributed to the development of existentialist thought?

The script mentions Friedrich Nietzsche, Jean-Paul Sartre, and alludes to Kierkegaard as philosophers who contributed to the development of existentialist thought.

What is the concept of 'the absurd' in existentialism?

In existentialism, 'the absurd' refers to the human search for meaning and purpose in a universe that is inherently meaningless. It is the conflict between the human desire for significance and the absence of inherent meaning in the world.

What does Sartre mean by 'condemned to be free'?

Sartre's phrase 'condemned to be free' suggests that individuals are burdened with the responsibility of creating their own meaning and moral code in life, as there are no predetermined guidelines or purposes.

What is the significance of the young man's dilemma in Sartre's anecdote?

The young man's dilemma illustrates the existential concept of authentic choice. He must make a decision without external guidance, which will be authentic only if it is based on his own chosen values.

How does existentialism view the concept of freedom?

Existentialism views freedom as a daunting and overwhelming responsibility. It suggests that without any predetermined purpose or moral guidelines, individuals must forge their own path and create their own meaning.

What is the relationship between existentialism and the belief in God?

Existentialism is not synonymous with atheism. While many existentialists are atheists, some, like Kierkegaard, are theists. However, what they share is the rejection of teleology—the idea that God has a predetermined purpose for the universe or human life.

What is the role of 'bad faith' in Sartre's existentialism?

In Sartre's existentialism, 'bad faith' is the act of denying one's freedom and authenticity by choosing to live according to the expectations or values imposed by others, rather than embracing the responsibility to create one's own meaning.

How does the script describe the potential impact of existentialism on an individual's life choices?

The script suggests that existentialism empowers individuals to assign their own meaning to their lives and the world, free from external standards or expectations. This can lead to a sense of exhilaration for some, as they realize they have the freedom to shape their own destiny.

What is the final message of the episode regarding the creation of meaning in life?

The final message is that meaning in life is not given but must be actively created by individuals. Despite the absence of inherent purpose, one can find or create meaning through personal choice and authentic living.

Outlines

00:00

🤔 The Quest for Life's Meaning and Existentialism

This paragraph delves into the philosophical search for life's meaning, contrasting personal beliefs with the existentialist perspective. It begins by questioning what gives life meaning, such as God, love, money, or work, and acknowledges the human desire for a sense of purpose. The existentialists are introduced as philosophers who believe that life can have meaning through various avenues, yet also assert that none are inherently meaningful. The script then contrasts this with the ancient Greek essentialism of Plato and Aristotle, who believed in an inherent essence for all things, including humans. The concept of essentialism, which posits that we are born with a predetermined purpose, is challenged by thinkers like Nietzsche and Sartre, who propose that existence precedes essence, meaning we are born without a set purpose and must create our own. This idea is revolutionary as it places the onus of finding or creating meaning squarely on the individual, rejecting the notion of a divine plan or inherent purpose. The existentialist view of 'the absurd' is introduced as the condition of seeking meaning in a universe devoid of inherent meaning or purpose.

05:04

🏆 Sartre's Perspective on Authentic Living and Freedom

In this paragraph, the focus shifts to the existentialist philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre and his views on authenticity and freedom. Sartre is portrayed as rejecting external authorities as sources of meaning, arguing that they are as lost as we are. He advocates for living authentically, which involves accepting the weight of personal freedom and acknowledging that life's meaning is self-assigned. The concept of 'bad faith' is introduced as the act of denying this freedom and the absurd by following paths set by others without genuine conviction. Sartre illustrates his philosophy with a story about a student faced with the difficult choice between joining the military or caring for his elderly mother. The crux of the story is that there is no correct answer, only the individual's authentic choice based on self-determined values. The paragraph also touches on the existentialist view of the world and life as inherently meaningless, but also as a canvas upon which individuals can paint their own purpose. It concludes by suggesting that existentialism can be seen as both bleak and exhilarating, depending on one's perspective, and ends with a nod to Squarespace's role in enabling individuals to share their passions with the world.

Keywords

💡Meaning

Meaning, in the context of this video, refers to the sense of purpose or significance that individuals attribute to their lives. It is central to the theme as the video explores different philosophical perspectives on finding or creating meaning. For example, the script mentions that people might find meaning through religion, social justice, or artistic expression, highlighting the diverse ways individuals seek meaning.

💡Existentialism

Existentialism is a philosophical movement that emphasizes individual freedom, choice, and the search for personal meaning in a world without inherent purpose. The video discusses existentialism as a response to the idea of essentialism, where it posits that 'existence precedes essence,' meaning we are born without a set purpose and must create our own. The script uses existentialism to explore the concept of 'the absurd,' the human search for meaning in a meaningless universe.

💡Essentialism

Essentialism is the belief that entities have an inherent nature or set of characteristics that are fundamental to their identity. In the video, essentialism is contrasted with existentialism, with the former suggesting that humans are born with a predetermined purpose or essence. The script mentions Plato and Aristotle's views on essence and how this belief was challenged by existentialist thinkers.

💡Nihilism

Nihilism is the philosophical viewpoint that life is without objective meaning, purpose, or intrinsic value. The video introduces Friedrich Nietzsche as an example of a philosopher who embraced nihilism, suggesting that the belief in the meaningless of life was a precursor to the development of existentialist thought.

💡Absurd

In the context of existentialism, as discussed in the video, 'the absurd' refers to the conflict between the human need for meaning and the universe's indifference and lack of inherent meaning. The script describes this as a technical term, illustrating the existentialist view that we are 'abandoned in a universe full of meaninglessness,' yet continue to seek meaning.

💡Authenticity

Authenticity, in the existentialist context, is the concept of living in a way that is true to one's own values and beliefs, rather than conforming to external expectations or norms. The video uses the term to describe Sartre's idea that individuals must accept the weight of their freedom and create their own meaning, as exemplified by the anecdote of the student who must make a difficult moral decision.

💡Freedom

Freedom, as discussed in the video in relation to existentialism, is the idea of being radically free to make choices without any predetermined guidelines or moral codes. It is portrayed as both a source of liberation and a burden, as individuals are 'condemned to be free,' responsible for creating their own moral frameworks and meanings, as illustrated by Sartre's perspective.

💡Bad Faith

Bad faith, in the video, is a concept introduced by Sartre to describe the state of denying one's own freedom and authenticity by choosing to live according to the expectations or values imposed by others. It is depicted as a form of self-deception, where individuals refuse to accept the absurd and instead follow a path that someone else has set.

💡Teleology

Teleology is the philosophical study of purposes or goals as they relate to the function or purpose of entities. The video explains that theistic existentialists reject teleology, arguing that even if God exists, the idea that He created the universe or humans with a specific purpose is not part of His role, thus contributing to the existentialist view of the universe as inherently purposeless.

💡Squarespace

Squarespace is mentioned in the video as a sponsor, offering a platform for individuals to create websites, blogs, or online stores to share their passions with the world. It serves as a metaphor for the existentialist idea that individuals can create their own meaning and purpose by expressing their ideas and interests, aligning with the video's theme of self-determination.

💡The Chatterbox

The Chatterbox is one of the shows produced by PBS Digital Studios, mentioned in the video as part of the PBS ecosystem. While not a philosophical concept, it represents the diversity of content and ideas explored by PBS, which complements the video's broader message about the exploration of meaning and ideas.

Highlights

The existentialists propose that life can have meaning through various pursuits but also assert that none of these pursuits are inherently meaningful.

Philosophy involves the dialectic process where ideas are presented and responded to over time.

Plato and Aristotle believed in essentialism, the concept that everything, including humans, has an inherent essence or purpose.

Essentialism suggests that adhering to one's essence is part of being a good human, with the essence determining one's purpose.

Friedrich Nietzsche challenged essentialism by embracing nihilism, the belief that life is ultimately meaningless.

Jean-Paul Sartre introduced the existentialist concept that 'existence precedes essence,' implying we are born without a predetermined purpose.

Existentialism posits that individuals must create their own essence and purpose through their life choices.

Existentialism is not synonymous with atheism; theistic existentialists reject the idea of a purposeful creation by God.

The existentialist term 'the absurd' describes the human search for meaning in a universe devoid of inherent meaning.

Existentialism emerged strongly after World War II, as the atrocities of the Holocaust led many to question the idea of an ordered world.

Sartre explored the concept of freedom, stating that we are 'condemned to be free' and must create our own moral code.

Sartre argued that reliance on external authorities for moral guidance is misguided, as they too are without absolute answers.

Authentic living, according to Sartre, involves accepting the weight of our freedom and recognizing that we create our life's meaning.

Sartre used the example of a student's difficult decision to illustrate the concept of authentic choice in the face of the absurd.

Existentialism suggests that the meaning of life is subjective and determined by the individual's choices and values.

Albert Camus, a French philosopher, suggested that the literal meaning of life is whatever prevents you from taking your own life.

Existentialists propose that meaning in life and the world is not given but must be actively chosen and created by individuals.

The Crash Course Philosophy episode is sponsored by Squarespace, which offers website creation tools for individuals to share their passions.

Transcripts

Crash Course Philosophy is brought to you by Squarespace.

Squarespace: share your passion with the world.

What gives your life meaning? God? Love? Money? Work?

Fanfiction? Football? Shopping? Sherlock?

You might have your own personal sense of purpose in your life,

or maybe you’re hoping this course will help you find one.

Or you might believe that you were created with a certain essence as a human being, with a purpose given to you by God.

Whatever the case is, no one would fault you for wanting your life to have meaning.

A sense of meaning is something that we all crave – maybe even need.

And as we move out of our unit on the philosophy of religion,

we should spend some time talking about how we understand our lives as being meaningful.

Because when you think about it, a lot of us devote a ton of energy to the task of finding meaning in our lives.

Maybe you find it through religion, or by fighting for social justice, or educating

others, or seeking beauty in artistic expression.

No matter how you do it, there’s a group of philosophers, the existentialists,

who say that any, or all, of these things can give your life meaning.

But at the same time, they say: None of them can.

[Theme Music]

As you know by now, philosophy is about the dialectic:

Someone puts forth an idea, and then someone else responds to it.

Sometimes, the response comes right away. In other cases, it takes thousands of years.

Way back in ancient Greece, Plato and Aristotle took it as given that everything has an essence

– a certain set of core properties that are necessary, or essential – for a thing to be what it is.

If those properties were missing, then that thing would be a different thing.

For instance, a knife could have a wooden handle or a metal handle – it really doesn’t matter.

But if it didn’t have a blade, it wouldn’t really be a knife anymore.

The blade is the essential property of the knife, because it gives the knife its defining function.

Now, Plato and Aristotle thought that everything has an essence – including us.

And they believed that our essences exist in us before we’re even born.

So by this thinking, part of what it means to be a good human is to adhere to your essence.

Now, you may or may not know what your essence is,

and you might be great at living up to your essence, or you may be awful at it.

But the important thing is that your essence gives you a purpose.

Because you were born to be a certain thing.

This belief, known as essentialism, was the standard view of the universe all the way up until the late 19th century,

and it’s still accepted by many people today.

But in the late 1800s, some thinkers started to challenge the idea that we are imbued with any essence or purpose.

German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche, for example,

embraced nihilism, the belief in the ultimate meaningless of life.

But by the mid-20th century, the path had been paved for

French thinker Jean-Paul Sartre to return to the question of essence and ask:

What if we exist first?

What if we’re born without any hard-wired purpose? And then it’s up to us to find our own essences?

Well this became the framework for what we now know as existentialism.

And its mantra is the claim that “existence precedes essence.”

In other words, our existence – our birth – happens first.

Then, it’s up to each of us to determine who we are.

We have to write our own essence, through the way we choose to live.

But we have no actual, predetermined purpose – there’s no set path that we’re supposed to follow.

It’s hard to express how radical this idea was at the time.

Because, for thousands of years, you didn’t have to choose a path, or find your purpose.

God did it for you.

But it’s important to note that existentialism is not synonymous with atheism.

Plenty of existentialists are atheists, but some are theists, like Kierkegaard.

What theistic existentialists deny is any sort of teleology –

that is, they refute the notion that God made the universe, or our world, or us, with any particular purpose in mind.

So, God may exist – but instilling you, or your life, or the cosmos, with meaning

– that’s just not in his job description.

As a result, we are each born into a universe in which we,

and our world, and our actions, lack any real, inherent importance.

This is a fundamental component of existentialism.

And its adherents refer to it as “the absurd.”

You and I think of absurdity as something that’s just silly, or preposterous.

But for existentialists, absurdity is a technical term.

It’s how they describe the search for answers in an answerless world.

We are creatures who need meaning, but we’re abandoned in a universe full of meaninglessness.

So we cry into the wilderness, and get no response.

But we keep crying anyway.

That, for an existentialist, is the definition of absurd.

Since there’s no teleology, the world wasn’t created for a reason, and it doesn’t exist for a reason.

And if there’s no reason for any of this, then there’s also no absolutes to abide by:

There’s no cosmic justice, no fairness, no order, no rules.

Now, existentialism has its roots in late-19th-century thinkers like Kierkegaard and Nietzsche.

But it really came into its own during and after World War II,

as the horrors of the Holocaust led many people to abandon any belief in an ordered world.

And who could blame them?

When Nazis became possible, meaning became much harder to find.

But Sartre faced meaninglessness head-on, and explored one of the most agonizing aspects of existentialism.

Not the world’s lack of meaning. But its terrifying abundance of freedom.

To most of us, freedom sounds pretty great. But Sartre thought that we are painfully, shockingly free.

After all, if there are no guidelines for our actions,

then each of us is forced to design our own moral code, to invent a morality to live by.

Sartre took this to mean that we are “condemned to be free,” a fate that he found to be quite awful.

You might think that there’s some authority you could look to for answers, Sartre said,

but all of the authorities you can think of are fake.

You can do what your parents say, or your church, or your government,

but Sartre said those authorities are really just people like you,

people who don’t have any answers, people who had to figure out for themselves how to live.

So the best thing you can really do, he determined, is to live authentically.

Sartre used this to mean that you have to accept the full weight of your freedom in light of the absurd.

You have to recognize that any meaning your life has, is given to it by you.

And if you decide to just phone it in, and follow a path that someone else has set

– whether it’s your teachers, your government, or your religion –

then you have what he called bad faith, a refusal to accept the absurd.

If you live by bad faith, you’re burying your head in the sand

and pretending that something out there has meaning – meaning that you didn’t give it.

Which brings us to this week’s Flash Philosophy. Let’s go to the Thought Bubble.

Sartre explained these ideas through an anecdote about one of his students, who faced a difficult decision.

This young man was at a crossroads in his life.

He could join the military during wartime, and go off to fight for a cause that he believed in.

And he wanted to do this. He thought it was right.

But he also had an elderly mother who was all alone, except for him.

If he went to war, he’d leave her behind. And that seemed wrong.

So he could stay with her, and let others fight for justice. Or he could go off to war,

and leave his mother to herself, and likely never see her again.

The young man felt a sense of duty to both his cause and to his mother, but he could only serve one.

Moreover, if he went to war, he’d be just a very small part of a really big cause.

His contribution probably wouldn’t be great,

but he would be contributing to something that would affect millions of people.

But if he stayed behind, he’d make an enormous difference in just one person’s life.

Thanks Thought Bubble. So, what’s the answer?

Sartre said that the whole point of this young man’s decision was that no one could give him an answer.

In fact, there was no answer, until the man chose one for himself.

No moral theory could help him decide,

because no one else’s advice could lead him to a decision that was truly authentic.

So his choice – no matter what it was – was the only true choice, provided that he made it authentically,

because it was determined by the values he chose to accept.

A lot of people think existentialism paints a pretty bleak picture of the world.

In fact, the French philosopher and novelist Albert Camus went so far as to say that

the literal meaning of life is whatever you’re doing that prevents you from killing yourself.

But most existentialists would remind you that the world, and your life, can have meaning,

but only if you choose to assign it.

If the world is inherently devoid of purpose, you can choose to imbue it with whatever purpose you want.

So, no one can tell you if your life isn’t worth anything if you, say, don’t have children,

or don’t follow a lucrative career path, or achieve whatever standards your parents hold you to.

And this works not just on an individual scale, but on a global one too.

If the world is going to have any of the things most of us value

– like justice and order – we’re going to have to put it there ourselves.

Because, otherwise, those things wouldn’t exist.

So, a worldview that looks bleak to some, may to others seem almost exhilarating.

Today I hope you enjoyed as much as I did learning about essentialism and its response: existentialism.

We talked about Jean-Paul Sartre and his ideas about how to find meaning in a meaningless world.

This episode is brought to you by Squarespace.

Squarespace helps to create websites, blogs or online stores for you and your ideas.

Websites look professionally designed regardless of skill level, no coding required.

Try Squarespace at squarespace.com/crashcourse for a special offer.

Squarespace: share your passion with the world.

Crash Course Philosophy is produced in association with PBS Digital Studios.

You can head over to their channel to check out amazing shows like

The Chatterbox, PBS SpaceTime and PBS Idea Channel

This episode of Crash Course was filmed in the Doctor Cheryl C. Kinney Crash Course Studio

with the help of these awesome people and our equally fantastic graphics team is Thought Cafe.