Existentialism

What is it? O Philosophical movement O Belief that we as human beings have no model, blueprint, no ideal essence, or perfect nature for humans. O Instead, we must decide our own values and meaning from existing in an inherently meaningless or absurd world. O FREE WILL!

Major Themes O Moral Individualism O Choice & Commitment O Dread & Anxiety

MORAL INDIVIDUALISM O A. Choose your own way without the help of universal/societal standards O B. Personal experience and acting on one’s own convictions lead to the truth O C. The most important questions in life are not accessible to reason or science

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CHOICE & COMMITMENT O A. Having and making choices is central to human nature O B. Even choosing not to choose is a choice O C. With choice/free will comes responsibility O D. Part of the responsibility of choice is the acceptance of the consequences that accompany the choice O E. decisions are not right or wrong only better or worse: choose then ACT O F. The number of people affected by the decision determines its importance

Dread and Anxiety O A. Total freedom of choice leads to anguish or dread. O B. Human life is full of ambiguity O C. Alienation and estrangement from God and from nature O D. We are dependent upon our own wills to determine the course of our lives, which causes us great anxiety.

Existential Questions revolve around: O Death O The meaning of human existence O Self-reflection of one’s own existence O Interpersonal relationship

Existential Protagonists O Lonely and full of anxiety O Trying to make sense of their lives O Trying to retain their courage despite the many questions dealing with self