Existentialism

1. Existentialism The Courage to Be?

2. The basic meaning of Existentialism • Human beings are what they feel. • Life is meaningless and pointless. • Albert Camus, the existentialist novelist, said that the greatest question of life is,”Why should I not commit suicide”? • Existentialism radicalized the autonomy principle of the Enlightenment

3. Varieties of Existentialism • Existentialism is a diffuse and diverse philosophy and encompasses a broad array of thinkers, from both Christian and atheistic traditions, including: • Sören Kierkegaard • Fydyor Dostoevsky • Friedrich Nietzsche • Albert Camus • Jean Paul Sartre • Martin Heidigger

4. A revolt against rationalism and romanticism • Existentialism is rooted in a rejection of rationalism. Rationalism failed to account for: • the real problems of society • the limited nature of science • the hopelessness of modern man • Existentialism esteems non-rationality as the highest virtue. • Existentialist thinkers tend not to write pure philosophical treatises, but rather express their views in art, novels, film, and plays.

5. Existentialist themes • Although it is impossible to provide a system of existentialist beliefs, the following are recurring themes: • Anxiety, dread, and death • Being and existence • Examination of inner states of mind • Meaninglessness and absurdity • Individuality • Choice

6. Meaning in a meaningless world? • Existentialism, particularly in its popular forms, holds that only by asserting one’s individuality in the face of an absurd universe can one obtain meaning. • The buzzword in this regard is authenticity. The greatest sin, existentially speaking, is to become “one of the crowd.”

7. In 20th century philosophy • In his landmark book, Zein und Zeit (Being and Time), Martin Heidigger elevated the structures of consciousness to the level of ultimate concern. Dread (Angst), the feeling of being on the verge of nothing, is the transcendent instrument of knowledge

8. In 20th century theology • Building upon existentialist thought, Paul Tillich defined religion as “ultimate concern,” God as “the ground of being,” and righteousness as “The Courage to Be,” that is, the attempt to become an “authentic” person.

9. In modern theatre • In Samuel Beckett’s famous play, Waiting for Godot, the two primary characters, Gogo and Didi, engage in irrational and absurd dialogue while waiting for the nonexistent person, Godot. Godot, of course, is a thinly veiled reference for God.

10. In modern film • Woody Allen, perhaps the most influential cinematic director/producer of thoughtful film, incorporates existentialist themes in virtually film he produces, including Annie Hall, Bananas, Zelig, & Crimes and Misdemeanors.