Philosophies of Meaning: Nihilism, Absurdism, Existentialism

Vocabulary flashcards covering key figures, concepts, and cultural examples related to nihilism, absurdism, and existentialism.

Nihilism

Belief that life has no inherent value, purpose, or moral truth—nothing ultimately matters.

Moral Nihilism

Position that no objective moral truths exist.

Existential Nihilism

Idea that existence itself holds no meaning or value.

Epistemological Nihilism

View that certain knowledge is impossible to verify.

Absurdism

Philosophy stating humans seek meaning, yet the indifferent universe offers none; this clash is absurd.

Camus’ Revolt

Absurdist response—reject suicide, accept the absurd, and live passionately in defiance.

Existentialism

Philosophy emphasizing individual freedom and responsibility to create one’s own meaning in an initially meaningless world.

Existence Precedes Essence

Existentialist slogan: humans exist first, then define themselves through choices.

Anguish

Anxiety felt when recognizing one’s total freedom and responsibility.

Authenticity

Living in accordance with self-chosen values rather than external pressures.

Bad Faith

Self-deception used to deny or evade personal freedom and responsibility.

Friedrich Nietzsche

19th-century philosopher who explored nihilism and warned of a post-belief ‘void’ of meaninglessness.

Albert Camus

French-Algerian writer who developed Absurdism and advocated revolt against the absurd.

Søren Kierkegaard

Danish philosopher considered a founder of religious existentialism.

Jean-Paul Sartre

20th-century atheist existentialist who popularized ideas like “existence precedes essence.”

Simone de Beauvoir

Existentialist thinker who extended Sartre’s ideas, stressing freedom and ethical responsibility.

The Myth of Sisyphus

Camus essay using endless boulder-pushing as a metaphor for living with absurdity.

Waiting for Godot

Samuel Beckett play illustrating Absurdism through endless, purposeless waiting.

Notes from Underground

Dostoevsky novella featuring a nihilistic narrator questioning morality and purpose.

The Big Lebowski

1998 film with comedic characters who call themselves nihilists, offering a pop-culture take on nihilism.