Existentialism

What is philosophy?

The study of the fundamental nature of knowledge, values, and the nature of reality

From an AVERAGE* persons perspective, what does it mean to exist?

• to have reason

• physical and mental awareness of surroundings

• participating in life by interacting with others

• understanding personal nature

What does Existentialism mean in art?

Existentialism grapples with deep questions about existence, existential anxiety, meaning, alienation, death, freedom, and the human condition.

Define Existentialism

the title of the philosophical ideals that emphasize the existence of a human being, the lack of meaning and purpose in life, and the solitude of human existence.

Roots from the _____ century

19th

What 19th century events popularized existentialism?

WW2, The Holocaust, Atomic Warfare

Existentialism challenges ______vs. ________

Essence vs. existence

What is essence?

the basic nature of something that determines its shape, activity, its defining characteristics, and possibilities of everyday life.

Philosophers believe essence ______ essence

precedes(comes before it)

What does it mean to have essence?

• having awareness of yourself and the things around you

• the reality of something

• things you want to be remembered by

• what makes you, YOU

6 common themes in Existentialism

• Existence precedes essence

• absurdity

• alienation

• fear, dread, and anxiety

• encounter with nothingness and death

• Freedom

What does “Existence precedes essence” mean?

• radically free to act independently

• no predetermined nature

• create our own human nature and values through choices

Who wrote the Metamorphasis?

Franz Kafka

Briefly describe Franz Kafka’s background

• Jewish

• Upper middle class

• Prague

• Difficult relationship w both parents

• Mother→ did not understand his dreams

• Father→ tyrant, overbearing, bad temper

• Many of his conflicts came from issues w his father

Describe Kafka’s characters

Kafka’s characters often came up against a an overbearing power of someone who could easily break the will of men and destroy their self-worth

What wish did Kafka give to his friend? Did his friend listen?

Kafka told his friend before he passed to destroy his unpublished books. His friend did NOT listen to him.