Kafka and Existentialism

1. Kafka and Existentialism (It is kinda the point to not make much sense)

2. Existentialism • Trend in philosophical thought of 20th century • Once categorized, dated back into 19th century, • Associated with Post modernism • Philosophizing starts at human not thinking • Based on how we think, feel, living etc… • Existential Attitude

3. Existential Attitude • Starting place for reasoning, not “I think therefore I am” • Traditional philosophy was too detached from human • Sense of disorientation, confusion, or frustration when facing the absurdities of the world • Absurd and meaningless

4. Founding Ideas • Individual is responsible for creating meaning in life. • Other existentialists debate how to achieve this and the obstacles in the way.

5. Obstacles to life • Boredom • Despair • Angst • Absurdity • Choice • Death

6. Names to connect with Existentialism • Friedrich Nietzsche-founding philosopher • Henry David Thoreau-sound familiar? • Franz Kafka-author of Metamorphosis

7. Franz Kafka 1883-1924 • Born into a German speaking Jewish middle class family in the Austro-Hungarian Empire. • WWII family was split up and several died in ghettos or concentration camps • Worked a despised job in insurance for years

8. Kafka • Most of his work was published after his death • Left writing to friend requesting it be burnt unread • Oh well • Wrote in German, so much of his wit and humor have been lost in translation.

9. Work reflects the ideas of humans trapped in a ‘system’ • Outside of their control, confusing web of bureaucracy, absurd rituals and demands of everyday life. (Matrix, BladeRunner) • He does this with a wink and a nod in his writing

10. While Reading… • Look for Kafka’s commentary on society • What does he suggest provides meaning in our life? • What are the obstacles we face to reach meaning? • Why is his writing so absurd?