"Existentialism is a form of philosophical inquiry that explores the issue of human existence."
A philosophical movement that emphasizes individual freedom and choice, advocating the idea that individuals are responsible for creating their own meanings in life, rather than relying on pre-existing systems of value or belief.
Absurdism: The rejection of any inherent meaning or value in human existence.
Anxiety: A key existentialist concept referring to the experience of being confronted with the meaninglessness of life and the potential for one's own mortality.
Atheism: The rejection of belief in a god or gods, often a central tenet of existentialist thought.
Authenticity: The pursuit of living in accordance with one's authentic self, and not being constrained by societal expectations or external influences.
Being and Nothingness: The seminal work of Jean-Paul Sartre that explores the meaning of existence and the human condition.
Dasein: Literally "being-there," a concept developed by Martin Heidegger to refer to the unique way in which each person experiences their existence.
Existence precedes essence: The idea that human beings are not born with a pre-determined purpose or essence, but rather create their own meaning through their actions and choices.
Freedom: A central concept in existentialism referring to the capacity of individuals to make choices and take responsibility for their actions.
Nihilism: The rejection of all religious and moral principles, often associated with existentialist thought.
Phenomenology: A philosophical method developed by Edmund Husserl that emphasizes the study of experience and consciousness.
Sartrean Existentialism: A strand of existentialist thought developed by Jean-Paul Sartre that emphasizes free will, individual responsibility, and the search for meaning in a meaningless world.
The Absurd: The experience of facing the irrationality and meaninglessness of the universe, which can lead to a sense of despair or a new appreciation for life and its possibilities.
The Other: A concept developed by Sartre that refers to the experience of encountering another person as a unique individual, rather than simply an object or symbol.
The Will to Power: A concept developed by Friedrich Nietzsche that emphasizes the pursuit of power and self-overcoming as essential human drives.
Time: A key theme in existentialism, as human beings are forced to confront their own mortality and the fleeting nature of life.
Christian existentialism: A philosophical and religious movement that emphasizes the importance of faith in individual experience, freedom, and responsibility, and the existence of God.
Atheistic existentialism: A philosophical movement that denies the existence of God or any other transcendental meaning in life and instead emphasizes human freedom, individuality, and responsibility.
Sartrean existentialism: A philosophical movement developed by Jean-Paul Sartre that argues that humans are fundamentally free and responsible beings, and that existence precedes essence.
Camusian existentialism: A philosophical movement developed by Albert Camus that stresses the ultimate meaninglessness of the universe, the absurdity of human existence, and the importance of embracing life in the face of absurdity.
Kierkegaardian existentialism: A philosophical movement developed by Søren Kierkegaard that focuses on the individual and their emotional struggles to find meaning and purpose in life, and the importance of faith and subjective experience.
Heideggerian existentialism: A philosophical movement developed by Martin Heidegger that emphasizes the importance of ontology and the nature of being, and stresses the importance of living an authentic life.
Phenomenological existentialism: A philosophical movement that emphasizes the importance of subjective experiences and perceptions, and the significance of authenticity, reflection, and self-knowledge in human existence.
"Existentialist philosophers explore questions related to the meaning, purpose, and value of human existence."
"Common concepts in existentialist thought include existential crisis, dread, and anxiety in the face of an absurd world, as well as authenticity, courage, and virtue."
"Among the earliest figures associated with existentialism are philosophers Søren Kierkegaard, Friedrich Nietzsche, and novelist Fyodor Dostoevsky."
"All of them critiqued rationalism and concerned themselves with the problem of meaning."
"Prominent existentialist thinkers included Jean-Paul Sartre, Albert Camus, Martin Heidegger, Simone de Beauvoir, Karl Jaspers, Gabriel Marcel, and Paul Tillich."
"Classical and contemporary thinkers include C.L.R James, Frederick Douglass, W.E.B DuBois, Frantz Fanon, Angela Davis, Cornell West, Naomi Zack, Stuart Hall, bell hooks, Lewis Gordon, and Audre Lorde."
"Many existentialists considered traditional systematic or academic philosophies, in style and content, to be too abstract and removed from concrete human experience."
"A primary virtue in existentialist thought is authenticity."
"Existentialism would influence many disciplines outside of philosophy, including theology, drama, art, literature, and psychology."
"A central tenet of existentialism is that personal freedom, individual responsibility, and deliberate choice are essential to the pursuit of self-discovery and the determination of life's meaning." Note: The remaining questions will not have direct quotes within the paragraph.