Key Concepts of Philosophical Existentialism

Existentialism

20th-century philosophy emphasizing individual experience and freedom.

Existence Precedes Essence

Humans create essence through choices, not predefined purpose.

Jean-Paul Sartre

Philosopher who emphasized freedom and authenticity in existentialism.

Freedom and Responsibility

Individuals are free to choose, bearing responsibility for choices.

Condemned to be Free

Sartre's idea that freedom is inescapable and burdensome.

Authenticity

Living true to oneself, rejecting societal pressures.

Bad Faith

Self-deception or denial of personal responsibility.

Absurdity

Conflict between seeking meaning and life's indifference.

Albert Camus

Philosopher known for concepts of absurdity and revolt.

Angst

Anxiety from confronting freedom and life's meaninglessness.

Despair

Feeling of helplessness acknowledging life's uncontrollable aspects.

Search for Meaning

Meaning must be actively created by each individual.

Viktor Frankl

Philosopher emphasizing meaning through attitudes in suffering.

The Other

Concept exploring self-awareness through interactions with others.

Self-Consciousness

Awareness of oneself through the perspective of others.

Friedrich Nietzsche

Philosopher known for 'will to power' and individualism.

Übermensch

Nietzsche's concept of an ideal individual transcending norms.

Simone de Beauvoir

Applied existentialism to feminism and women's authenticity.

Martin Heidegger

Philosopher focusing on being, existence, and mortality.

Existentialist Thinkers

Influential philosophers contributing to existentialist thought.

Meaning Creation

Individuals define their existence through personal choices.

Chaos

Life's unpredictability contributing to existential uncertainty.

Existential Freedom

The capacity to make choices defining one's existence.

Existential Responsibility

Accountability for choices impacting oneself and humanity.