PHIL106 - Existentialism, Chapter 1

Existentialist Philosophy

A philosophical exploration of how to live authentically and meaningfully, focusing on individual experience.

Practical Focus

The central question of existentialism is "How should I live my life?" emphasizing personal decision-making.

Authenticity

The importance of living authentically by making autonomous choices rather than following external authorities.

Engagement

Prioritizing a lived, engaged perspective over detached, theoretical approaches in understanding life.

Kant’s Influence

Enlightenment philosophy that emphasizes reason and autonomy, encapsulated in the idea "Sapere Aude!" (Dare to know).

Hegel’s Influence

The Master-Slave Dialectic, which explores self-consciousness and recognition, informing existentialist themes of freedom and identity.

Explanation (Erklären)

The objective explanation of phenomena, typically associated with natural sciences.

Understanding (Verstehen)

The existentialist approach to understanding human life from within, focusing on subjective experiences.

Jean-Paul Sartre

A key existentialist philosopher known for "Being and Nothingness" and the idea that "existence precedes essence."

Freedom and Responsibility

Sartre's concept that humans are "condemned to be free" and must navigate their freedom with responsibility.

Simone de Beauvoir

Philosopher known for "The Second Sex," exploring existential freedom in the context of gender and oppression.

"One is not born, but rather becomes a woman"

A key idea by de Beauvoir about the construction of gender identity.

Søren Kierkegaard

Emphasized subjectivity and personal commitment, advocating for a leap of faith in religious belief.

Friedrich Nietzsche

Known for the "Will to Power" and the concept of the Übermensch, critiquing traditional moral values.

"God is dead"

Nietzsche's critique of traditional moral and religious values, reflecting a shift in existential thought.

Martin Heidegger

Explored concepts of being-toward-death and the distinction between authenticity and inauthenticity in "Being and Time."

Albert Camus

Introduced absurdism, highlighting the conflict between the search for meaning and an indifferent universe.

Rebellion

Camus's response to absurdity, advocating for embracing life despite its inherent meaninglessness.

Frantz Fanon

Examined the existential effects of colonialism and advocated for the liberation of oppressed peoples.

Existentialist Methodology

Focuses on understanding human life from the subjective perspective and lived experience.

Enlightenment Values

Kant’s emphasis on reason and autonomy, which underpins existentialism's call for personal intellectual courage.

Historical Connections

Existentialism engages with earlier philosophical traditions, responding to themes from thinkers like Kant and Hegel.