Existentialism as a Theoretical Perspective

Etymology of Existentialism

The term “existentialism” is derived from the Latin word “existere,” which means “to exist.” It became popular in the mid-20th century to describe a philosophical movement that focuses on the individual’s existence and the associated themes of freedom, choice, and responsibility.

Meanings of Existentialism

Aspect	Meaning
Literal Meaning in Literature	Works exploring existentialist themes, with characters questioning existence, freedom, and meaning.
Literary Movement	A literary movement where authors incorporate existentialist ideas, focusing on individual experience, choice, and the human condition.
Theoretical Interpretation	The use of existentialist philosophy to analyze literature, examining characters’ choices and the absence of inherent meaning in narratives.
Exploration of Human Condition	Depiction of characters confronting life’s absurdity, grappling with existence, and making choices that shape their destinies.
Philosophical Existentialism Influence	Literature influenced by philosophical existentialism, exploring concepts like radical freedom and authenticity.
Representation of Alienation	Frequent portrayal of characters feeling alienated, struggling to find meaning in an apparently indifferent or absurd world.
Thematic Exploration	Encompassing diverse themes, including life’s meaning, authenticity of choices, consequences of existential despair, and individual responsibility.

Definition of Existentialism as a Theoretical Term

Existentialism, as a theoretical term, is a philosophical and literary movement that emphasizes the significance of individual existence and freedom. It contends that human beings are responsible for creating their own meaning in a seemingly indifferent or absurd universe, often by making choices that define their identity and values.

Existentialism rejects absolute or predetermined truths, highlighting the subjective and often anguished nature of human experience.

Existentialism: Theorists, Works, and Arguments

Existentialism is a philosophical and literary movement associated with several notable theorists, works, and key arguments:

Theorists:

1. Jean-Paul Sartre: A prominent existentialist philosopher, Sartre’s major works include Being and Nothingness. He argued that existence precedes essence, emphasizing human freedom and the concept of “bad faith.”
2. Albert Camus: Known for works like The Stranger and The Myth of Sisyphus Camus explored the absurdity of life and the search for meaning in an indifferent world.
3. Søren Kierkegaard: Often considered a precursor to existentialism, Kierkegaard focused on the individual’s subjective experience and the leap of faith in his works, such as Fear and Trembling.
4. Friedrich Nietzsche: His philosophical ideas on the will to power, the eternal recurrence, and the Übermensch (Overman) have had a significant influence on existentialist thought.

Key Works:

1. Being and Nothingness by Jean-Paul Sartre: This foundational work explores existentialism’s core ideas, including the concepts of consciousness, freedom, and existential angst.
2. The Myth of Sisyphus by Albert Camus: Camus’s essay presents the idea of the absurd and how individuals can find meaning in a world devoid of inherent purpose.
3. Fear and Trembling by Søren Kierkegaard: Kierkegaard’s exploration of faith, ethics, and the individual’s relationship with the divine contributes to existentialist themes.

Key Arguments:

1. Existence Precedes Essence: Existentialism asserts that individuals exist before they define their essence. This means that people are responsible for creating their own values and meaning in life.
2. Freedom and Responsibility: Existentialists stress human freedom and the responsibility that comes with it. Choices are seen as crucial in shaping one’s identity and determining the course of one’s life.
3. The Absurd: Existentialism often grapples with the idea that life lacks inherent meaning or purpose, leading to a sense of absurdity. The search for meaning in a seemingly indifferent world is a central theme.
4. Authenticity: Authenticity involves living in accordance with one’s own values and choices, rather than conforming to societal expectations or “bad faith,” which is a form of self-deception.
5. Angst (Existential Anxiety): The existentialist concept of “angst” or existential anxiety reflects the inherent anxiety and dread individuals face when confronted with their freedom and the responsibility to make choices in the absence of absolute values or guidelines.

Principals of Existentialism

Principal	Explanation
Existence Precedes Essence	Existentialism asserts that individuals exist before they define their essence, meaning that they are not born with predetermined meanings or purposes; they must create their own through their choices and actions.
Freedom and Responsibility	Existentialists emphasize the profound freedom of individuals to make choices and shape their lives, while recognizing the weight of responsibility that comes with this freedom, as individuals are accountable for their decisions and their consequences.
The Absurd	Existentialism contends that life lacks inherent meaning or purpose, leading to a sense of absurdity. Despite this, individuals are challenged to find their own meaning and significance in an otherwise indifferent or irrational world.
Angst (Existential Anxiety)	Existential anxiety, often referred to as “angst,” is a fundamental aspect of existentialism. It arises from the realization of one’s freedom and responsibility, causing feelings of anxiety and dread when confronted with the uncertainty and ambiguity of existence.
Authenticity	Authenticity is the concept of living in accordance with one’s own values, choices, and beliefs. Existentialists encourage individuals to be true to themselves and resist conformity to societal norms or “bad faith,” a state of self-deception where one avoids their responsibility.
Individuality	Existentialism celebrates the uniqueness and individuality of each person, emphasizing that individuals have their own experiences, perspectives, and ways of being, which should be respected and valued.
Dread of Death	Existentialists often explore the fear of death as a fundamental human concern. The awareness of mortality can intensify existential anxiety and prompt reflection on the meaning of life.
Subjectivity	Existentialism places a strong emphasis on subjective experience, asserting that truth and meaning are ultimately subjective and that individuals must confront and grapple with their own existence.
Rejection of Totalizing Systems	Existentialism rejects the idea of totalizing systems or ideologies that claim to provide absolute truths or moral guidance. Existentialists are skeptical of dogma and encourage critical thinking and questioning.
Emphasis on the Individual’s Choice	The choices individuals make in the face of their existential situation are of paramount importance in existentialism. These choices reflect their values, define their existence, and contribute to the meaning they create in their lives.

Major Works in Existentialism and Arguments

1. Being and Nothingness by Jean-Paul Sartre: Sartre’s work presents the concept that “existence precedes essence,” emphasizing that individuals exist before they define their essence. He argues that humans are condemned to be free, meaning they bear the burden of absolute freedom and responsibility for their choices.
2. The Myth of Sisyphus by Albert Camus: Camus explores the idea of the absurd, suggesting that life lacks inherent meaning or purpose. He argues that despite the inherent absurdity of existence, individuals should embrace their freedom and find their own meaning, symbolized by the myth of Sisyphus.
3. Fear and Trembling by Søren Kierkegaard: Kierkegaard delves into the notion of faith, ethics, and the individual’s relationship with the divine. He presents the concept of the “knight of faith” who makes a leap of faith beyond reason, transcending the ethical and the universal.
4. Thus Spoke Zarathustra by Friedrich Nietzsche: Nietzsche introduces the concept of the Übermensch (Overman or Superman), an individual who creates their own values and transcends conventional morality. He critiques traditional values and morality, advocating for a reevaluation of moral concepts.
5. Nausea by Jean-Paul Sartre: Sartre’s novel embodies the sense of existential nausea, portraying the protagonist’s experience of the absurdity and contingency of existence. It illustrates the existentialist idea that life’s inherent lack of meaning can induce a feeling of nausea or revulsion.
6. Existentialism is a Humanism by Jean-Paul Sartre: In this essay, Sartre defends existentialism as a human-centered philosophy. He argues that existentialism is a philosophy of freedom and choice, emphasizing that individuals must take responsibility for their actions and decisions.
7. The Ethics of Ambiguity by Simone de Beauvoir: De Beauvoir explores the existentialist ethics of ambiguity, suggesting that individuals must embrace their freedom while acknowledging their interdependence with others. She argues for ethical authenticity and rejects the objectification of others.
   1. The Rebel by Albert Camus: Camus delves into the concept of rebellion against oppressive systems and the moral ambiguity of revolutionary actions. He argues for a “metaphysical rebellion” that opposes both the absurdity of existence and unjust authority.

These major works and associated arguments represent the core ideas of existentialism, including the themes of existence, freedom, responsibility, the absurd, and the search for meaning in an often indifferent or irrational world.

Suggested Readings

1. Camus, Albert. The Myth of Sisyphus. Vintage, 1991.
2. De Beauvoir, Simone. The Ethics of Ambiguity. Citadel Press, 1998.
3. Kierkegaard, Søren. Fear and Trembling. Penguin Classics, 1986.
4. Nietzsche, Friedrich. Thus Spoke Zarathustra. Penguin Classics, 1969.
5. Sartre, Jean-Paul. Being and Nothingness. Washington Square Press, 1993.
6. Sartre, Jean-Paul. Existentialism is a Humanism. Yale University Press, 2007.
7. Sartre, Jean-Paul. Nausea. New Directions, 2007.
8. Camus, Albert. The Rebel. Vintage, 1991.