Fundamentals of Existentialism

Fundamentals of Existentialism

Blog Article

Existentialism, a school of thought that emerged in the 19th-20th century period, highlights personal liberty, free will, and personal experience. Central to this ideology is the notion that existence comes before essence, indicating that individuals define their own purpose and goals through their actions. Philosophers of existentialism like Jean-Paul Sartre and Friedrich Nietzsche argue that life is inherently meaningless, and it is up to each individual to determine their own values in a uncaring universe.

This school of thought confronts conventional ideas of preordained fate and the idea that life's purpose is pre-established. Instead, existentialist philosophy suggests that people must face the underlying absurdity of life and embrace their liberty to decide and do. This often leads to an existential crisis, where people wrestle with sensations of anxiety and confusion as they face the lack of inherent meaning. Nonetheless, it is through this dilemma that one can reach true existence by accepting responsibility for one's choices and establishing personal meaning.

Existentialist philosophy also examines ideas of alienation, despair, and the human condition. In a society where conventional beliefs and values are often scrutinized, existentialist thought provides a foundation for comprehending the nuances of being human. By acknowledging the absence of absolute truths, existentialist philosophy urges people to exist vividly and genuinely, despite the doubts and difficulties of life. It is a invitation to accept the liberty and investment philosophy accountability that come with being a person, and to seek meaning in an otherwise indifferent world.