Existentialism

“To be, or not to be…”

Why are we here?

What is my purpose in the universe?

God died in the trenches.

“To thine own self be true”

“I think, therefore I am”

A philosophical line of thought beginning with Socrates, and attempting to address such questions as:

•What is the individual? •What is the exercise of choice? •What is the universe in relation to human existence? •What are things so grim and hopeless?

Modern existentialist thought reaches a peak in the aftermath of the Second World War

It is up to the individual to give life meaning through her/his own actions, thoughts and feelings (these are proof of our existence).

In this sense, existence and it's meaning become entirely the responsibility of the individual.

This can belonely and unsatisfying to some, because...

There is a different answer for each individual.

Five Key Principles of Existentialism…

With reference to Thomas R. Flynn’s Existentialism – A Very Short Introduction

One: Choice and Free Will

Your choices define who you are, not the other way around. Your life is what you make it.

Two: Carpe Diem

Life’s meaning is defined by what happens between birth and death only – we are “time-bound beings”.

Three: Humanism (person-centred philosophy)

We must pursue and define our own identity in the face of societal and economic pressures to conform and be “normal”

Four: Freedom and Responsibility

We have the freedom to make our own choices, and to define the meaning of our existence, but we are ultimately responsible for our decisions.

Five: Ethical Considerations are Paramount

Although we understand ethics and freedom in own way, our personal lives, and our participation in society must be authentic.

Key players: Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, Albert Camus