"Existentialism is a form of philosophical inquiry that explores the issue of human existence."
Existentialism is a philosophical movement and approach that emphasizes individual existence, freedom, and choice. It is concerned with finding meaning and purpose in life, while acknowledging the inherent uncertainty and absurdity of the human condition.
Phenomenology: The philosophical method that seeks to understand the structures of subjective experience and consciousness. This is an important foundation to understand the existentialist emphasis on individual experience.
Authenticity: One of the central concepts in existentialism, referring to the idea that individuals must be true to their own unique selves, resisting the pressure to conform to societal norms or expectations.
Freedom and Responsibility: Existentialists argue that humans have a unique capacity for agency and choice, which brings with it a responsibility to choose one's own path in life.
Death: Existentialism emphasizes the finality of death as a pervasive aspect of human existence, and encourages individuals to confront this fact and live life to the fullest.
Angst: A word used in existentialist philosophy to describe the overwhelming sense of anxiety, dread, and despair that often accompanies the existential experience.
Existentialism and Humanism: A specific branch of existentialist philosophy that emphasizes the inherent dignity and worth of human beings, and seeks to balance the individualistic tendencies of existentialism with a broader sense of social responsibility.
Existentialism and Marxism: A tension that existed in the 20th century between two influential philosophical movements, characterized by differing perspectives on the role of economics, politics, and society in shaping human experience.
The Absurd: A dominant theme in the existentialist thought of Albert Camus, referring to the sense of meaninglessness and irrationality that arises from the clash between human desire for order and the chaos of the universe.
Existentialism in Literature: The intersection of existentialist philosophy and literary works, where authors often use literature to explore existential themes and ideas.
Existentialism in Film: The use of existentialist themes and aesthetics in film, often characterized by visual landscapes that reflect the alienation, anxiety, and absurdity of human existence.
Existentialism and Religion: The tension between existentialist thought and traditional religious beliefs, which often offer structures and explanations for the meaning of life that conflict with the emphasis on individual experience and responsibility found in existentialism.
Existential Psychotherapy: A practical application of existentialist philosophy in the clinical setting, where therapists use the principles of existentialism to help individuals confront anxiety, make meaning out of their experiences, and take responsibility for their lives.
Christian Existentialism: This type of Existentialism focuses on the intersection between religion and human existence.
Atheistic Existentialism: This type of Existentialism rejects the existence of a divine being and asserts that humans must create their own meanings in life.
Humanistic Existentialism: This type of Existentialism emphasizes the dignity and potential of human beings.
Absurdism: This type of Existentialism is characterized by the recognition of the absurdity of human existence.
Sartrean Existentialism: This type of Existentialism emphasizes the importance of freedom and choice in human existence.
Authentic Existentialism: This type of Existentialism emphasizes the need for individuals to live in a way that is consistent with their own values and beliefs.
Postmodern Existentialism: This type of Existentialism challenges the idea of an objective reality and emphasizes the importance of experience and subjectivity.
Existential Feminism: This type of Existentialism is concerned with the experience of women in a patriarchal society.
"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.