Introduction to Existentialism

These flashcards cover key concepts, figures, and critiques within existential philosophy as discussed in the lecture notes.

Who is considered the founder of French existentialism?

Jean-Paul Sartre

What is a central idea of existentialism?

Existentialism emphasizes individual existence and the challenges faced by individuals in an unfriendly environment.

Which Danish philosopher is known to have influenced existentialism?

Søren Kierkegaard.

What is the primary focus of existentialist thought?

The struggle against traditional rationalist approaches to capture the lived experience.

What did Simone de Beauvoir aim to provide through her work?

An ideology for the postwar era.

What is a common critique of the quest for authenticity in existentialism?

It may disregard the need for structural transformation of social conditions.

What historical crisis does existentialism respond to?

A destruction of authority and disillusionment in reason.

Which two philosophers are noted for their existentialist contributions but preferred not to be labeled as existentialists?

Albert Camus and Gabriel Marcel.

What is the fundamental question existentialism prompts a reevaluation of ethics?

'Under what conditions can my choice to accept a given value or ideal be an authentic expression of my existence?'.

Name a consequence of the modernity crisis as discussed in existentialist thought.

Freedom becomes empty, leading to the realization that there are no norms we must endorse.