Existentialism is a philosophical movement that emphasizes individual freedom, choice, and existence. It primarily focuses on the question of human existence and the sense that there is no purpose or explanation at the core of existence. It holds that, as humans, we are thrown into existence first without a predetermined nature and must then find essence through our own actions and choices. This philosophy emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with influential precursors like Søren Kierkegaard and Friedrich Nietzsche, who questioned the traditional philosophical and ethical norms, paving the way for the formal development of existentialism.
The core of existentialist philosophy is the assertion that existence precedes essence. This means that a human being—through their own consciousness—creates their own values and determines a meaning to their life. Existentialists believe that individuals are responsible for giving meaning to their own lives. Key figures such as Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir explored these themes in their philosophical writings, arguing that human beings are fundamentally free and must navigate the anxieties of this freedom, often with no clear guidelines.
One of the central notions in existentialism is the concept of absurdity, which was famously developed by Albert Camus. Camus argued that life is inherently without meaning, a condition he described as the "absurd." This realization leads to a freedom, as it implies that we are free to live our lives in the way we see fit, rather than following a predetermined path imposed by society or religion. Existentialists assert that we can craft our own destiny in this indifferent universe, but this freedom also brings with it a sense of isolation and disorientation—common themes in existentialist literature and thought.
Moreover, existentialism has significantly influenced various fields outside of philosophy, including theology, drama, art, literature, and psychology. The existential motif of the struggle with self-identity, the anxiety of freedom, and the construction of meaning in an indifferent universe has inspired numerous works in these areas. For example, the plays of Samuel Beckett and the novels of Franz Kafka capture the existential belief in the absurdity of human life and the complexity of human freedom. Despite its somewhat bleak outlook on life's inherent meaninglessness, existentialism also offers a potentially empowering message about personal responsibility and the opportunity to live an authentic life, defined by one's own convictions and choices.