1. Existence + Essence = Existential
Existentialism:
A philosophy exploring meaning and the purpose of existence.
Existence + Essence = Existential

2. Existence > Essence
Human essence is created through life choices
Humans create our own consciousness
values and the meanings of our lives
Sartre: Existence precedes Essence
The actual life of an individual is their essence as opposed to some predetermined idea of an essence of what it means to be human

3. I think; therefore I exist -- Descartes
Things exist, but have no meaning except through our actions – action, freedom, and decision are fundamental
We are defined by our actions and responsible for our actions
Ex. if you treat people cruelly, you are a cruel person
You are responsible for your new identity as a cruel person
It’s your fault, not your genes or human nature
i.e. we are not essentially good or bad, we are what we choose to be
We are free, but also responsible for what we make of ourselves anxiety, nihilism, and hopelessness

4. Existentialism Pessimism
Nonbeing and nothingness are universal sources of fear
We are aware of our meaninglessness and the absurd world we live in, which produces anxiety, angst, loneliness and a desire to attach meaning to experience
BUT, there is still the possibility for improvement
Existentialism denies absolute principles and believes human nature can change through authentic action against accepted principles
Possibilities of altering human nature and society are unlimited, but can only be made from within ourselves.

5. Additional Existential Tenets:
Meaning is individual, not universal
Humans define their own reality
The Absurd: meaning is not provided by natural order, but rather can be created by human actions and interpretations
Current existence is key and meaning is found by embracing this current existence.
Humans are not primarily rational
There must be consciousness of death.

6. Additional Existential Tenets:
19th Century: Kierkegaard never used the term existential, but is considered the grandfather of existentialism
The individual has the responsibility of giving one’s life meaning and living passionately and sincerely in spite of despair, angst, choice, boredom, death, the absurd
Angst: combination of fear and anxiety – like standing at the edge of a cliff and fearing falling off, but also dreading the possibility of throwing yourself off

7. Themes and Questions:
Themes: Dread, boredom, alienation, the absurd, freedom, nothingness
Existential questions concern the essence of what it means to be alive, such as:
Who am I? What is my true nature, essence, or identity?
Why am I here? What is my purpose? How should I live my life?
What is the meaning of life?
What is death? What happens after death?
Is there a god? What is she like?

8. "Recall how often in human history the saint and the rebel have been the same person."       ~ Rollo May, The Courage to Create
"man first of all exists, encounters himself, surges up in the world – and defines himself afterwards.“
~ Sartre, Existentialism is a Humanism