6 Existentialism

AGENDA CHAPTER 6 Defining Existentialism Situating Existentialism Why Study Existentialism? Existentialism as a Philosophy of Education Metaphysics Epistemology Axiology Logic Existentialism’s Educational Implications

Defining Existentialism In defining Existentialism, we begin with its root, “to exist,” and then define two words that derived from it – “existent” and existence. We then consider “existentialism” as a general expression before discussing it as a philosophy of education. (c) 2008 Prentice-Hall, All rights reserved.

Situating Existentialism Existentialism as a philosophy was developed Europe. Its early origin in the nineteenth century is often traced to Soren Kierkegaard (1813-1855). He was a Danish theologian and philosopher. In the United States, Existentialism enjoyed its highest popularity immediately after World War II when intellectuals reacted against the conformity of the emerging corporate society. (c) 2008 Prentice-Hall, All rights reserved.

Why Study Existentialism? The reasons for studying Existentialism arise from the central paradox of being a unique person, but one who lives in an indifferent world, and is conscious that the future will bring death and disappearance. Such a profound, but seemingly disturbing realization is carried by the person every day in his or her consciousness. (c) 2008 Prentice-Hall, All rights reserved.

Existentialism as a Philosophy of Education Metaphysics – Existentialists accept that we live in a physical environment, they see the physical world as simply being there, indifferent to us and our purpose. At birth, our existence is a given, a brute fact of life, but it is then our responsibility to define our selves and to create our purpose. (c) 2008 Prentice-Hall, All rights reserved.

Existentialism as a Philosophy of Education Epistemology – Existentialist discern two kinds of knowing. First, there is the knowledge of the natural and physical world. The second and more important kind of knowing is personal and subjective. The heart of this kind of knowing is our choice about what we want to know and how well we use that knowledge. (c) 2008 Prentice-Hall, All rights reserved.

Existentialism as a Philosophy of Education Axiology – Existentialists believe that values arise from personal and subjective choices. Existentialists give the greatest attention to axiology, which for them is the personal act of choosing and creating values. (c) 2008 Prentice-Hall, All rights reserved.

Existentialism as a Philosophy of Education Logic – Existentialists believe that logic, too, is subject to choice. We can choose to be logical or illogical. (c) 2008 Prentice-Hall, All rights reserved.

Existentialism’s Educational Implications For Existentialists, the purpose of education is to cultivate in students an awareness that they are free agents, responsible for creating their own selves and purposes. (c) 2008 Prentice-Hall, All rights reserved.

SUMMARY CHAPTER 6 Defining Existentialism Situating Existentialism Why Study Existentialism? Existentialism as a Philosophy of Education Metaphysics Epistemology Axiology Logic Existentialism’s Educational Implications