Existentialism:

1. Existentialism: A philosophy exploring meaning and the purpose of existence. Existence + Essence = Existential

2. Existence > Essence • Human essence is created through life choices • Humans create our own consciousness • values and the meanings of our lives • Sartre: Existence precedes Essence • The actual life of an individual is their essence as opposed to some predetermined idea of an essence of what it means to be human

3. I think; therefore I exist -- Descartes • Things exist, but have no meaning except through our actions – action, freedom, and decision are fundamental • We are defined by our actions and responsible for our actions • Ex. if you treat people cruelly, you are a cruel person • You are responsible for your new identity as a cruel person • It’s your fault, not your genes or human nature • i.e. we are not essentially good or bad, we are what we choose to be • We are free, but also responsible for what we make of ourselves anxiety, nihilism, and hopelessness

4. Existentialism Pessimism • Nonbeing and nothingness are universal sources of fear • We are aware of our meaninglessness and the absurd world we live in, which produces anxiety, angst, loneliness and a desire to attach meaning to experience • BUT, there is still the possibility for improvement • Existentialism denies absolute principles and believes human nature can change through authentic action against accepted principles • Possibilities of altering human nature and society are unlimited, but can only be made from within ourselves.

5. Additional Existential Tenets: • Meaning is individual, not universal • Humans define their own reality • The Absurd: meaning is not provided by natural order, but rather can be created by human actions and interpretations • Current existence is key and meaning is found by embracing this current existence. • Humans are not primarily rational • There must be consciousness of death.

6. Additional Existential Tenets: • 19th Century: Kierkegaard never used the term existential, but is considered the grandfather of existentialism • The individual has the responsibility of giving one’s life meaning and living passionately and sincerely in spite of despair, angst, choice, boredom, death, the absurd • Angst: combination of fear and anxiety – like standing at the edge of a cliff and fearing falling off, but also dreading the possibility of throwing yourself off

7. Themes and Questions: • Themes: Dread, boredom, alienation, the absurd, freedom, nothingness • Existential questions concern the essence of what it means to be alive, such as: • Who am I? What is my true nature, essence, or identity? • Why am I here? What is my purpose? How should I live my life? • What is the meaning of life? • What is death? What happens after death? • Is there a god? What is she like?

8. "Recall how often in human history the saint and the rebel have been the same person."~ Rollo May, The Courage to Create • "man first of all exists, encounters himself, surges up in the world – and defines himself afterwards.“ ~ Sartre, Existentialism is a Humanism