Existentialism

Existentialism is a philosophical movement that emphasizes the lived experience of the individual, freedom, and responsibility. It concerns how people create meaning in a world that appears indifferent, arbitrary, or absurd. Although often associated with a single doctrine, existentialism is not a unified school but a family of thinkers who address similar questions from different angles.

Its roots lie in 19th-century thinking, notably Søren Kierkegaard, who stressed subjective commitment, personal choice, and the leap of faith, and Friedrich Nietzsche, who declared the death of God and urged the revaluation of values. Both challenged formal systems of thought and emphasized individual responsibility for shaping meaning.

In the 20th century, Martin Heidegger reframed existence through being-in-the-world and authenticity. Jean-Paul Sartre argued that existence precedes essence, meaning humans are free to define themselves, though this freedom can generate anguish and bad faith when one evades responsibility. Albert Camus described the human situation as absurd but believed in revolt and personal solidarity; Simone de Beauvoir linked existential freedom to social critique of oppression.

Existentialism has influenced literature, theology, and the arts, and is closely related to phenomenology, though it is not a single doctrine. It raises questions about meaning, choice, mortality, and how to live authentically. Critics object that it overemphasizes individual agency or neglects social structures.

Key terms include authenticity, freedom, choice, angst, alienation, and bad faith. Notable figures include Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, Heidegger, Sartre, Camus, de Beauvoir, and Merleau-Ponty. The movement remains debated, with various strands offering constructive approaches to living with freedom and responsibility.