Topical History of Existentialism: Themes, Ideas of Existentialists
Because existentialism is more of a mood or trend in philosophy rather than an organized and systematic approach to philosophy, one way a person can come to a better understanding of it is through an analysis of some key topics and themes. Different philosophers may have understood or used them in slightly different ways, but there is enough commonality that a good sense of what existentialism is about can be had through reading up these topics.
Existence Precedes Essence
Originated by Jean-Paul Sartre, the phrase 'existence precedes essence' has come to be a classic, even defining, formulation of the heart of existentialist philosophy. It's an idea which turns traditional metaphysics on its head because throughout Western philosophy, it was always assumed that the essence or nature of a thing is more fundamental and eternal than its mere existence.
Originated by Jean-Paul Sartre, the phrase 'existence precedes essence' has come to be a classic, even defining, formulation of the heart of existentialist philosophy. It's an idea which turns traditional metaphysics on its head because throughout Western philosophy, it was always assumed that the essence or nature of a thing is more fundamental and eternal than its mere existence.
Angst: Dread, Anxiety, and Anguish
As a general principle, existentialist philosophers have emphasized the importance of psychologically critical moments where basic truths about human nature and existence come crashing down upon us, upsetting our preconceptions and shocking us into a new awareness about life.
As a general principle, existentialist philosophers have emphasized the importance of psychologically critical moments where basic truths about human nature and existence come crashing down upon us, upsetting our preconceptions and shocking us into a new awareness about life.
Bad Faith & Fallenness
Jean-Paul Sartre's conception of existentialist philosophy focused upon the radical freedom that faces every human being. In the absence of any fixed human nature or absolute, external standards, we must all become responsible for whatever choices we make. Sartre recognized, however, that such freedom was too much for people to always handle.
Jean-Paul Sartre's conception of existentialist philosophy focused upon the radical freedom that faces every human being. In the absence of any fixed human nature or absolute, external standards, we must all become responsible for whatever choices we make. Sartre recognized, however, that such freedom was too much for people to always handle.
Abandonment: Condemned to be Free
As an atheist, Jean-Paul Sartre believed that we live in a godless universe where there are no absolute, objective guides to action, morality, belief, or understanding. For Sartre, we are all free - radically free such that we experience the psychological strain of feeling 'abandoned' and forced to take full responsibility for everything that happens, even though we may not wish to.
As an atheist, Jean-Paul Sartre believed that we live in a godless universe where there are no absolute, objective guides to action, morality, belief, or understanding. For Sartre, we are all free - radically free such that we experience the psychological strain of feeling 'abandoned' and forced to take full responsibility for everything that happens, even though we may not wish to.
Subjectivity: Individuals vs. Systems
One of the vital animating principles of existentialist philosophy has always been the importance of subjectivity over objectivity. This subjectivity extends over a wide range of issues: morality, values, truth, commitment, faith, and so forth. Indeed, most of the basic themes of existentialism can't be fully understood without appreciating the importance of subjectivity.
One of the vital animating principles of existentialist philosophy has always been the importance of subjectivity over objectivity. This subjectivity extends over a wide range of issues: morality, values, truth, commitment, faith, and so forth. Indeed, most of the basic themes of existentialism can't be fully understood without appreciating the importance of subjectivity.
Ethical Individualism
Existentialist ethics is characterized by the emphasis on moral individualism. Rather than seeking a 'highest good' that would be universal, existentialists have sought means for each individual to find the highest good for them, regardless of whether it might ever apply to anyone else at any other time.
Existentialist ethics is characterized by the emphasis on moral individualism. Rather than seeking a 'highest good' that would be universal, existentialists have sought means for each individual to find the highest good for them, regardless of whether it might ever apply to anyone else at any other time.
Absurd and Absurdity
An important component of existentialist philosophy is the portrayal of existence as being fundamentally irrational in nature. Whereas most philosophers have attempted to create philosophical systems that produce a rational account of reality, existentialist philosophers have focused upon the subjective, irrational character of human existence.
An important component of existentialist philosophy is the portrayal of existence as being fundamentally irrational in nature. Whereas most philosophers have attempted to create philosophical systems that produce a rational account of reality, existentialist philosophers have focused upon the subjective, irrational character of human existence.