Existential Philosophy (Noun)
Meaning
(philosophy) a 20th-century philosophical movement chiefly in Europe; assumes that people are entirely free and thus responsible for what they make of themselves.
Classification
Nouns denoting cognitive processes and contents.
Examples
- Existential philosophy emphasizes individual freedom and choice, and the inherent meaninglessness of life, which can be both empowering and terrifying.
- The concept of existential philosophy is often associated with the idea that life has no inherent meaning, and that it is up to each individual to create their own purpose.
- Existential philosophy is characterized by its emphasis on the individual's subjective experience and the rejection of external authority.
- The existential philosophy of Jean-Paul Sartre, in particular, posits that human beings are "condemned to be free," in the sense that we are fully responsible for our choices and actions.
- Some people find existential philosophy to be overly pessimistic, as it highlights the fact that our choices and actions may have negative consequences, while others see it as liberating.