NAME : Bayer Jarod

SEMESTER : 5TH SEMESTER,2023
COURSE : Humanities (HMNT 159)
 
 

Existentialism: An Introduction to the Philosophy of Freedom and Responsibility

I. Introduction

Existentialism is a philosophical philosophy that originated in the twentieth century as a reaction

to disillusionment with conventional values and the quest for meaning in a world that seemed to
be devoid of any intrinsic purpose. It is a philosophy of freedom, individuality, and responsibility
that emphasizes the importance of personal choice and the subjective experience of the
individual. In this lecture, we will explore the key themes and ideas of existentialism, its history,
and its relevance today.

II. The Key Themes of Existentialism

Existentialism is characterized by several key themes, which include:

1. Freedom and Responsibility: Existentialism emphasizes the importance of personal freedom

and the responsibility that comes with it. It posits that individuals are entirely responsible for
their own choices and actions and that they must make those choices without the guidance of any
external authority.

2. The Search for Meaning: Existentialism recognizes that human beings have an inherent need
for meaning and purpose in life but acknowledges that this search is often fraught with difficulty
and uncertainty. It posits that individuals must create their own meaning and purpose in life
rather than rely on pre-existing societal or religious frameworks.

3. Authenticity: Existentialism values authenticity, or the idea that individuals should be true to
themselves and their own values rather than conforming to external societal expectations or
norms. It posits that individuals must take ownership of their own lives and embrace their own
unique experiences and perspectives.

4. Anxiety and Angst: Existentialism acknowledges that the human condition is characterized by
a sense of anxiety, uncertainty, and dread. It posits that individuals must confront this anxiety
and embrace the uncertainty and ambiguity of existence.

5. The Absurd: Existentialism recognizes the inherent absurdity of the human condition and
posits that individuals must accept this absurdity and find meaning and purpose in spite of it.

These themes are central to the philosophy of existentialism and inform its approach to a wide
range of topics, including ethics, politics, and art.
 
NAME : Bayer Jarod
SEMESTER : 5TH SEMESTER,2023
COURSE : Humanities (HMNT 159)
 
 

III. The Founding Thinkers of Existentialism

Existentialism is a philosophical movement that emerged in the 20th century, but its roots can be
traced back to earlier philosophers. The following are some of the founding thinkers of
existentialism:

1. Sren Kierkegaard (1813–1855): Kierkegaard is often considered the father of existentialism.

He believed that an individual's subjective experience and relationship with God were the most
important aspects of human existence. He emphasized the importance of individual choice and
authenticity and critiqued the rigid social and religious structures of his time.

2. Friedrich Nietzsche (1844–1901): Nietzsche challenged traditional morality and the concept of
objective truth. He argued that individuals should create their own values and reject societal
norms and conventions. He believed that an individual's will to power was the primary motivator
of human behavior.

3. Martin Heidegger (1889–1976): Heidegger believed that the search for meaning was central to
human existence. He emphasized the importance of the individual's relationship to the world and
posited that individuals must confront the inevitability of death and the uncertainty of existence.

4. Jean-Paul Sartre (1905–1988): Sartre believed that human existence was characterized by a
sense of alienation and the need for meaning. He emphasized the importance of individual choice
and responsibility and rejected the notion of an objective moral framework. He coined the phrase
"existence precedes essence," which encapsulates the idea that individuals must create their own
essence or meaning in life.

5. Simone de Beauvoir (1908–1986): De Beauvoir was a feminist philosopher who emphasized

the importance of women's liberation and the rejection of traditional gender roles. She believed
that individuals must create their own identity and meaning in life and that this process is often
constrained by societal expectations and norms.

These thinkers laid the foundation for existentialism, and their ideas continue to influence
contemporary philosophical discourse.

IV. Existentialism in Literature and Art

Existentialism has had a significant impact on literature and art. Many works of literature and art
have been influenced by the central themes and ideas of existentialism, including:
 
NAME : Bayer Jarod
SEMESTER : 5TH SEMESTER,2023
COURSE : Humanities (HMNT 159)
 
 

1. Literature: Existentialist literature often focuses on the individual's struggle to find meaning in
life. Some notable examples of existentialist literature include Albert Camus' "The Stranger,"
Franz Kafka's "The Metamorphosis," and Samuel Beckett's "Waiting for Godot." These works
highlight the absurdity of human existence and the difficulty of finding meaning in a world that
seems to lack it.

2. Film: Many films have been influenced by existentialist themes and ideas, particularly in the
genre of film noir. Examples include "The Third Man" and "The Maltese Falcon," which explore
themes of alienation, loneliness, and despair.

3. Painting: Existentialist themes have also been expressed in painting. The works of artists such
as Edward Hopper and Francis Bacon often depict the isolation and loneliness of the human
condition.

4. Theater: Existentialism has had a significant impact on the theater. The plays of Samuel
Beckett, including "Endgame" and "Krapp's Last Tape," often explore the absurdity of existence
and the human struggle to find meaning in life.

Overall, existentialist ideas have had a profound influence on the arts, shaping the way that
artists express the human experience and explore themes of freedom, responsibility, and the
search for meaning.

V. Criticisms of Existentialism

Existentialism has been subject to several criticisms over the years, including:

1. Lack of Clarity: Some critics argue that existentialism is too vague and lacks clear definitions
and principles. They argue that existentialist thinkers often use obscure language and rely on
intuition rather than logical argumentation.

2. Individualism: Critics have also argued that existentialism is overly focused on the individual
and fails to recognize the importance of social and political structures. They argue that
existentialism fails to provide a framework for understanding societal issues and the broader
context in which individuals live their lives.

3. Negativity: Some critics have argued that existentialism is too negative and pessimistic,
emphasizing the difficulties and absurdities of human existence at the expense of more positive
aspects of life.
 
NAME : Bayer Jarod
SEMESTER : 5TH SEMESTER,2023
COURSE : Humanities (HMNT 159)
 
 

4. Lack of Practicality: Finally, some critics argue that existentialism is too abstract and fails to
provide practical solutions to real-world problems. They argue that existentialist ideas are too
focused on individual experiences and fail to provide guidance for how to navigate the
complexities of modern society.

Despite these criticisms, existentialism remains a significant philosophical movement that has
influenced a wide range of fields, including literature, art, psychology, and politics. Its emphasis
on personal freedom, responsibility, and the search for meaning continues to resonate with many
people today.

VI. Applications of Existentialism

Existentialist ideas have been applied in various fields and contexts, including:

1. Psychotherapy: Existentialism has had a significant impact on psychotherapy, particularly in

the field of existential therapy. This approach emphasizes the importance of personal
responsibility, individual choice, and the search for meaning in life. It helps people to face their
fears and concerns and accept responsibility for their actions.

2. Education: Some educators have incorporated existentialist ideas into their teaching practices,
emphasizing the importance of personal choice, individual responsibility, and the search for
meaning in education. They argue that education should not just be about acquiring knowledge
and skills but should also help students develop a sense of purpose and meaning in life.

3. Social and Political Activism: Existentialist ideas have also been applied in the context of
social and political activism. Activists who adopt an existentialist perspective emphasize the
importance of individual freedom and responsibility and often critique societal and political
structures that constrain personal choice and autonomy.

4. Organizational Management: Some organizations have adopted an existentialist approach to

management, emphasizing the importance of personal responsibility, creativity, and individual
choice. This approach emphasizes the importance of empowering employees and encouraging
them to take ownership of their work.

Overall, existentialist ideas have been applied in a wide range of fields and contexts, reflecting
the ongoing relevance of their core themes and principles to contemporary society.
 
NAME : Bayer Jarod
SEMESTER : 5TH SEMESTER,2023
COURSE : Humanities (HMNT 159)
 
 

VII. Conclusion

Existentialism is a theoretical philosophy that has had a substantial effect on literature, art,
mental health, social and political activity, and organizational management. Its major themes,
such as personal freedom, responsibility, and the quest for meaning, are still relevant today as
individuals face the difficulties and complexity of contemporary life. Despite its detractors,
existentialism is an essential philosophical viewpoint that has shaped our understanding of the
human experience and the quest for meaning in life.