existensiell

Existensiell is an adjective used primarily in Swedish to describe matters pertaining to existence or being. It is closely aligned with the English term existential and is common in discussions of philosophy, psychology, and everyday life when addressing questions about meaning, freedom, and mortality. In Norwegian and Danish, cognate forms exist (eksistensiell/eksistentiel), with variations in spelling and usage.

Originates from Latin existentia, via French existentiel and English existential; in Swedish the form existensiell emerged through direct borrowing and adaptation. The Norwegian cognate eksistensiell follows a similar pattern but with Norwegian spelling norms.

In philosophy, existensiell is used to describe themes associated with existentialism, such as the primacy of individual existence, authentic choice, and the search for meaning. The term appears in discussions of existential psychology and in analysis of literary works addressing human finitude and responsibility. Phrases like existensiella frågor or existensiella villkor are common in Swedish-language philosophy and criticism.

Existensiell psychology and existential therapy focus on meaning, purpose, and authenticity in the face of mortality and freedom. The concept is associated with thinkers like Søren Kierkegaard, Friedrich Nietzsche (influence on existentialism), Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, Viktor Frankl, and Rollo May, though existensiell is primarily a linguistic term; the ideas align with the broader existential tradition.