existentialismi

Existentialism is a philosophical movement that emphasizes individual existence, freedom, and choice. It is a broad tradition with diverse thinkers, but common themes include the belief that existence precedes essence, meaning that humans are born without a predetermined purpose or nature and must define themselves through their actions and decisions.

Key existentialist concepts include freedom, responsibility, anxiety, and the absurd. Existentialists argue that individuals are radically free and therefore entirely responsible for their choices and the creation of their own values. This freedom, however, can be a source of anxiety and dread, as individuals confront the vastness of their choices and the lack of external validation or inherent meaning. The absurd refers to the conflict between humanity's inherent search for meaning and purpose in life and the universe's apparent lack of any such meaning or order.

Notable figures associated with existentialism include Jean-Paul Sartre, Albert Camus, Simone de Beauvoir, Søren Kierkegaard, and Friedrich Nietzsche, though not all of them identified as existentialists. Their works often explore themes of alienation, death, the search for authenticity, and the human condition in a seemingly meaningless world. Existentialist thought has had a significant impact on literature, psychology, and theology.