Existentialism, Gender, and Freedom in Philosophy

A set of vocabulary flashcards derived from notes on existentialism, gender theory, and the philosophy of freedom and alienation.

Existentialism

A philosophical movement asserting that existence precedes essence, emphasizing individual freedom and responsibility.

Radical Freedom

The concept that individuals have complete freedom to define their identity and make choices without predetermined essence.

Anguish

An emotional state resulting from the awareness of one's radical freedom and responsibility.

Abandonment

The existential condition of being left alone without guidance or a divine plan.

Despair

The state of acting without hope, relying solely on one's own actions.

Bad Faith

Self-deception in which individuals deny their own freedom and responsibility.

Self and Other

The concept that one's understanding of self is mediated through relationships with others.

Simone de Beauvoir

An existentialist philosopher who explored concepts of gender and the definition of woman under patriarchy.

Existence precedes essence

The idea that an individual's existence is prior to any predetermined nature or identity.

The Other

An individual or group that is viewed as different or secondary, often used in the context of gender.

Double Consciousness

A concept by Du Bois expressing the internal conflict experienced by marginalized groups in reconciling their identity.

Sovereignty

The authority of a state to govern itself or another state; in Hobbes' view, it's essential for maintaining social order.

Estranged Labor

Marx's concept that refers to the alienation of workers from the products of their labor under capitalism.

Commodity

An object or service produced for sale, characterized by its exchange-value.

Use-value

The utility of a commodity based on its capacity to meet needs or desires.

Exchange-value

The value of a commodity in terms of its profitability in the market.

Alienation

The process by which workers become disconnected from the products of their labor and from their own humanity.

Species-being

Marx's idea that labor is the basic activity of human life, emphasizing the collective nature of humanity.

Private Property

Property owned by individuals or corporations, which plays a central role in capitalist economies.

Mankind

Term often used to refer to humans collectively, though it has gendered implications.

The Erotic

A concept by Audre Lorde denoting a source of deep emotional and embodied knowledge leading to women's liberation.

The Pornographic

A distortion of human need characterized by objectification and instrumentalization of people.

Civil Society

A community of citizens organized for the purpose of governance and social order.

Social Contract

An implicit agreement among individuals in a society to cooperate for social benefits.

Golden Rule

A principle that emphasizes treating others as one would wish to be treated.

Human Nature

The inherent characteristics and instincts of humans, which are often debated in philosophy.

Agency

The capacity of individuals to act independently and make their own choices.

Oppression

Systemic and institutionalized mistreatment of a group of people based on characteristics such as gender, race, or class.

Subjugation

The act of bringing someone or something under domination or control.

Patriarchy

A social system in which men hold primary power and dominate in roles of leadership, moral authority, and property control.

Freedom of Choice

The ability to choose one's actions and identity without constraints.

Self-Determination

The right of individuals to make choices about their own lives and identities.

Collective Consciousness

The set of shared beliefs and attitudes that characterize a group, often influencing identity.

Emancipation

The act of freeing someone from restraint or control; in history, notably associated with the abolition of slavery.

Resistance

The act of opposing or withstanding; in reference to social movements against oppression.

Existential Crisis

A moment in which an individual questions the very foundations of their life, often leading to angst.

Masculinity

Socially constructed norms and behaviors often associated with male identity.

Femininity

Socially constructed norms and behaviors often associated with female identity.

Liberalism

A political philosophy that emphasizes individual rights, democracy, and free market economy.

Communism

A political and economic ideology advocating for a classless system in which the means of production are communally owned.

Subjectivity

The quality of being based on or influenced by personal feelings, tastes, or opinions.

Objectification

The treatment of a person as an object or a thing, often depriving them of individuality.

Intersectionality

A framework for understanding how various aspects of a person's identity combine to create unique modes of discrimination and privilege.

Hegemony

Leadership or dominance, particularly by one country or social group over others.

Structure vs. Agency

The debate in social sciences about whether individual behavior is determined by social structure or individual choice.

Transcendence

The act of rising above the limits of ordinary experience, often related to freedom.

Authenticity

The quality of being genuine or true to one’s self, often debated in existentialist philosophy.

Narrative Identity

The internalized and evolving story of the self that integrates experiences across time.

Existential Choice

The act of choosing one's values and commitments in a world without inherent meaning.