Existentialism - Kierkegaard

Definition: Existentialism is a philosophical movement that emphasizes individual existence, freedom, and personal choice.

  • It rejects the idea that humans have an essence or predetermined purpose.

  • It emphasizes that each individual must create their own meaning in life through experience and action.

Angst and Despair in Existentialism

Psychological Conditions: There are two main feelings in existentialism related to individual awareness:

Angst (Anxiety):

  • It is the feeling of anxiety due to the awareness of freedom and limitations.

  • Also known as anxiety towards "nothingness," expressed by Heidegger, and related to freedom according to Sartre.

Despair:

  • According to Kierkegaard, despair occurs when one does not find meaning or rejects responsibility in determining identity.

  • It is the inability to reconcile with oneself or God.

Freedom and Responsibility

Freedom as Responsibility:

  • Existentialism emphasizes that humans have the freedom to determine their lives.

  • This freedom comes with great responsibility; one cannot blame God, fate, or society.

  • Sartre states, "man is condemned to be free," highlighting that every choice has consequences.

Absurdity

Concept of Absurdity:

  • Absurdity concerns the mismatch between human pursuit of meaning and the indifference of the world.

Albert Camus: Albert Camus was a French philosopher, author, and journalist, known for his contributions to existentialism and absurdism.

  • Life is deemed absurd because humanity seeks meaning in a world that does not provide it.

  • Camus rejects nihilism; he emphasizes the importance of "rebellion" against absurdity by resolving to live passionately.

Albert Camus' Thoughts

Absurdism:

  • Asserts that life lacks objective meaning.

  • The Myth of Sisyphus:

    • Uses the Greek myth to illustrate the human struggle against absurdity; proposes to "imagine Sisyphus happy."

    • Sisyphus, who is condemned to roll a boulder up a hill only for it to roll back down each time he reaches the top, as a metaphor for the human condition

    • Camus argues that life is inherently meaningless, and yet, humans are constantly searching for meaning. Despite the absurdity of existence, Camus suggests that one can find happiness and fulfillment by embracing the struggle against absurdity, symbolized by Sisyphus's eternal task.

  • Rebellion:

  • Must fight against absurdity by creating subjective meaning in life.

Kierkegaard

Søren Kierkegaard is often regarded as the father of existentialism, emphasizing the importance of individual experience and subjectivity. He critiqued the contemporary Hegelian philosophy, which he felt oversimplified personal experience and the complexity of faith.

Kierkegaard’s Thoughts

Christianity as a Way of Life:

  • Emphasizes faith that involves commitment and action.

  • The Task of Becoming Oneself:

  • Humans are given the world to continuously develop themselves.

  • Execution Through Choice:

  • Choices must be based on will, not just knowledge.

  • There is a need to cease reflection and make decisions.

Three Stages of Existence

  1. Aesthetic:

    • Prioritizes physical and intellectual satisfaction.

    • Risks experiencing emptiness and boredom.

  2. Ethical:

    • Understands that not all desires are good.

    • Seeks a more complete identity through social relationships.

  3. Religious:

    • Sin hinders the achievement of this stage, requiring the highest commitment.

    • Requires a "leap of faith" and is personal.

    • Fear and failure will be addressed by God's love.

  • Angst and Despair: Kierkegaard introduced the concepts of angst (the anxiety of choice) and despair (the failure to find true self-identity) as central to the human condition.

  • Influence on Modern Philosophy: His work laid the groundwork for later existentialists, such as Jean-Paul Sartre and Albert Camus, who expanded on the themes of freedom, choice, and the search for meaning in a seemingly indifferent universe.

Truth in Existentialism

Truth as Subjectivity:

  • Truth must be lived, not just known.

  • Indirect Communication:

  • Uses indirect methods through stories and parables.

  • Process of Self-Actualization:

  • Must be actively involved in the choices made by individuals.

Christian Worldview

Existence of God:

  • God as creator; essence exists before existence.

  • Representing God:

  • Humans have characteristics that make them similar to God, with the responsibility to represent and care for creation.

  • Sin and Restoration:

  • Sin damages the relationship with God and humans require restoration through faith in Christ.