The Myth of Sisyphus

1. The Myth of Sisyphus Camus’ Theory of Absurdity

2. The Philosophy of the Absurd • One of the main themes of Camus’ philosophy is rebellion, but not in the sense of a full-fledged revolt. • Sisyphus rebels, not in refusing to continue his arduous task, but in the fact that he refuses to accept the absurdity of his punishment. • Man’s tragedy is his consciousness, his awareness of his own condition. Oedipus was always the pawn of fate, but his tragedy begins the moment he knows the truth. • Sisyphus teaches “there is no fate that can not be surmounted by scorn.”

3. What does it mean? • Camus defines it as a confrontation between “rational” human beings and an “indifferent” universe. • Despite our hopes, dreams, expectations and even our efforts, the world does not deliver what we expect, nor does it seem to care what becomes of us. • Only personal experience is meaningful; meaning can not be found in others or outside forces. • Mersault accepts the indifference of the universe as “brotherly” in The Stranger. • Death makes life absurd.

4. Sisyphus as a model • Two possible readings: • A. He devotes himself to his labors so entirely that he must be considered happy. • B. He undertakes his task with resentment, and his resentment of the gods makes his life meaningful.

5. Camus’ Conclusion • Either we find the meaning in our lives, or not at all. • Both The Stranger and Sisyphus offer the notion that life is its own meaning—philosophical reflection does not give us meaning. • Only insofar as we are engaged in our lives do our lives make sense.

6. Sources • Dr. Robert Solomon, Professor of Business and Philosophy—University of Texas • Camus, Albert. “The Myth of Sisyphus.”