Eksistentialismin

Eksistentialismin is the Finnish term for existentialism, a philosophical and literary movement that emphasizes human freedom, responsibility, and the search for meaning in a world without intrinsic purpose. Although its roots go back to 19th-century thought, eksistentialismin rose to prominence in the 20th century through figures such as Søren Kierkegaard, Friedrich Nietzsche, Martin Heidegger, and Jean-Paul Sartre. In general, eksistentialismin centers on authenticity, choice, and anxiety, with the often cited view that existence precedes essence.

Core themes include freedom and responsibility, the inevitability of choice, and the sense of angst that accompanies mortality. Bad faith describes self-deception used to avoid hard truths about freedom. Some eksistentialist writers emphasize the absurd, highlighting the clash between the human longing for meaning and an indifferent universe, a theme developed by Albert Camus (though Camus rejected the existentialist label).

Historically, eksistentialismin influenced philosophy, theology, and literature, shaping debates about modern alienation, ethics, and politics. It encompasses religious strands, notably Kierkegaardian approaches, as well as secular forms associated with Sartre. The movement has faced critique for perceived moral relativism and for prioritizing individual perspective at times over social structures or collective norms.

In Finland, eksistentialismin has been discussed within academic philosophy and cultural criticism, with translations introducing European existentialist ideas to Finnish readers and informing national literary expressions that explore freedom, choice, and meaning. The term thus functions as a bridge between European philosophical currents and Finnish intellectual discourse.