Existentialism: A 20th Century Phenomenon Underlying ideas –man lives in a hostile and meaningless universe –mankind has free will –life is a series of choices –some things are irrational or ridiculous, without explanation –few decisions are without negative consequences

Existentialism Experience and Choice –meaning is gained through living –man makes himself what he is by choices –acting out “given” roles or values are, in fact, choices –the right way to choose is by being sincere; the wrong way is to follow the crowd –man is responsible for his own actions

Absurdism States that the efforts of humanity to find meaning in the universe will ultimately fail and, hence, are absurd because no such meaning exists, at least in relation to humanity. Has its roots in the 19 th century philosopher, Soren Kierkegaard, although Albert Camus brought it forward in the 20 th century.

Absurdism People often follow one of two paths: either concluding that life is meaningless and that all we have is the present; or filling the void with a purpose set forth by a higher power, often a belief in God or adherence to a religion. Absurdists argue that even with a spiritual power as the answer to meaning, another question is posed: What is the purpose of God? Kierkegaard believed that there is no human-comprehensible purpose of God, making faith in God absurd.

Absurdism For Camus, the beauty that people encounter in life makes it worth living. Camus called The Stranger an Absurdist novel rather than an Existentialist one, but ideas from both philosophies are evident.