Existentialist philosophy is a branch of philosophy that deals with the nature of existence and human experience. The spelling of this word can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA): /ɛɡzɪsˈtɛnʃəlɪst fɪˈlɒsəfi/. The initial "ex-" sound is pronounced as "egz-" and the "st" cluster in "existentialist" is pronounced with a short vowel sound between them. The final syllable of "philosophy" is pronounced with a short "I" sound, as in "fit". With the correct pronunciation, you can start exploring the complexities of existentialist philosophy.
Existentialist philosophy refers to a philosophical movement that emerged in the 19th and 20th centuries, focusing on the individual's existence and freedom of choice in an often absurd and chaotic world. Existentialism is primarily concerned with the meaning and purpose of human existence, particularly in relation to the individual's subjective experience, authenticity, responsibility, and the inherent anxiety of being.
Existentialists argue that individuals exist first and then define themselves through their choices and actions. They believe that existence precedes essence, suggesting that there is no predetermined or inherent purpose to life; instead, individuals must create and construct their own meaning and values. Existentialist philosophy emphasizes personal freedom and authenticity, suggesting that individuals are entirely responsible for their own actions and existence.
Existentialists also grapple with the concept of dread or angst, highlighting the anxiety and anguish individuals may experience when confronted with the uncertainty, absurdity, and ultimate finitude of life. Rather than avoiding or suppressing these existential crises, existentialist philosophy encourages individuals to confront them head-on, accept the reality of existence, and make choices that align with their values and beliefs.
Prominent existentialist thinkers include Søren Kierkegaard, Friedrich Nietzsche, Martin Heidegger, Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, and Albert Camus. While existentialist perspectives may differ among these philosophers, they share a common concern with the human condition, freedom, and the subjective experience of individuals within the context of an often meaningless and incomprehensible world.
The word "existentialist" is derived from the noun "existentialism", which refers to a philosophical movement or approach that focuses on individual existence, freedom, and choice. The term itself emerged in the 20th century, particularly in the aftermath of World War II. The roots of the word can be traced back to the Latin word "existēns", which is the present participle form of the verb "existere", meaning "to exist" or "to arise". In existentialism, the emphasis is on the subjective experience of existence and the individual's responsibility in creating their own meaning and purpose in life.