Existentialism
Existentialism is a philosophical movement that began in the mid-19th century and became popular in the late 20th century. The term “existentialism” was coined by the French philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre in the 1940s, but the movement had already been taking shape for some time before this. Existentialism is typically associated with ideas such as the freedom of choice, the meaning of life, and the search for authenticity.
Existentialists believe that people are free to chooses their own paths in life. This disconnects them from the dictates of society, and asks that people question norms and conventions. This idea of freedom is closely linked with existentialism’s second core concept – that of the ‘meaning of life’. Existentialists believe that you must find meaning in your own life, and ‘create’ your own meaning from within. This challenge to societal conventions is why existentialism has had a profound influence on the artistic and political landscape.
The way in which people come to terms with their freedom is an inherent part of existentialism too. Existentialists have identified a few key concepts that illustrate our relationship to freedom, such as authenticity and angst. Authenticity is the state of being true to oneself, of being honest and open with one’s feelings and opinions. Angst is a term used to describe the deep and sometimes troubling feelings of insecurity and inner conflict that can come from being ultimately responsible for our own lives.
The idea of existentialism has become a source of debate, and it is often misunderstood. Existentialism’s focus on personal responsibility and the importance of choice has been explored and debated in philosophy, ethics, literature, art, and politics. Its proponents argue that existentialism can liberate us from the conformist rules of society, and that it can empower us to create our own meaningful lives. On the other hand, critics argue that its focus on individual freedom can lead to self-indulgence and a disconnect from community.
Ultimately, existentialism is about looking for meaning, and about being honest about who you choose to be in life. It is an acknowledgement that freedom is an essential part of the human experience – but it is also an acknowledgement that this freedom can be daunting at times. It is an individual-based philosophy that emphasizes a person’s ability to determine the meaning of life. For this reason, it has had a profound influence on art, literature, and politics throughout the twentieth century and into the 21st.
