"Individualism is the moral stance, political philosophy, ideology and social outlook that emphasizes the intrinsic worth of the individual."
Individualism is a key theme in existentialism, and emphasizes the importance of personal freedom and choice. It is often contrasted with collectivism, the belief that the needs of the group or society are more important than those of the individual.
Freedom: Individualism emphasizes the importance of individual freedom and autonomy.
Self-reliance: The philosophy values a person's ability to rely on oneself instead of looking to others for help.
Individual experience: Individualism holds that each person is unique and that they should be free to follow their own path based on their personal experiences.
Responsibility: With freedom comes the responsibility to make decisions for oneself and suffer the consequences of those actions.
Rejecting conformity: Individualism opposes the idea of conforming to societal expectations or norms; rather, individuals must define their own path.
Authenticity: Individuals should prioritize authenticity and personal integrity in their actions, thoughts, and beliefs.
Creative expression: The importance of creativity and personal expression, whether it be through art, writing or other means, is emphasized in individualistic thought.
Human nature: Individualism highlights the importance of understanding human nature, including the desire for autonomy and self-expression.
Morality: Individualism is often linked with the rejection of external moral standards, instead encouraging individuals to develop their own ethical framework.
Rationality: Reason and critical thinking are essential aspects of individualistic thought, and individualists prioritize the ability to analyze and understand the world around them.
Ethical Individualism: Ethical individualism is based on the idea that the individual is the ultimate authority in making decisions about what is right or wrong. It holds that individuals have the right to make their own choices based on their own moral standards.
Political Individualism: Political individualism is the idea that individuals have the right to self-governance and that the role of the state should be limited to protecting individual liberties.
Epistemological Individualism: Epistemological individualism is the idea that knowledge is created by individuals rather than by society or culture. It holds that each person has his or her own unique perspective on reality and that individuals are responsible for constructing their own truths.
Moral Individualism: Moral individualism is the belief that ethical principles are based on individual autonomy and that morality is not determined by society or culture. It holds that individuals are responsible for their own ethical choices.
Aesthetic Individualism: Aesthetic individualism relates to the concept of individuality in art and beauty. It holds that every individual has his or her own unique view and taste when it comes to art and beauty, and that one’s experience of beauty is individual to oneself.
Psychological Individualism: Psychological individualism is the idea that each individual is unique and that psychological processes, including motives, attitudes, beliefs, and emotions, are influenced by individual factors rather than by shared societal norms.
Metaphysical Individualism: Metaphysical individualism is the idea that each individual is a separate entity and that reality is composed of separate entities interacting with each other. It holds that individuals have control over their own lives and destinies, rather than being predetermined by external factors.
Existential Individualism: Existential Individualism focuses on individual freedom, self-awareness, and making choices that allow for the development and growth of the individual. It emphasizes the importance of individual responsibility, choice, and the search for meaning and purpose in life.
"Realizing one's goals and desires, valuing independence and self-reliance"
"The interests of the individual should gain precedence over the state or a social group."
"Opposing external interference upon one's own interests by society or institutions such as the government."
"Starts with the fundamental premise that the human individual is of primary importance in the struggle for liberation."
"Totalitarianism, collectivism, and more corporate social forms."
"The quality of being an individual; individuality" and "related to possessing an individual characteristic; a quirk."
"Artistic and bohemian interests and lifestyles where there is a tendency towards self-creation and experimentation."
"Opposed to tradition or popular mass opinions and behaviors such as with humanist philosophical positions and ethics."
"The individual."
"The intrinsic worth of the individual."
"The interests of the individual should gain precedence over the state or a social group."
"External interference upon one's own interests by society or institutions such as the government."
"The human individual is of primary importance in the struggle for liberation."
"Totalitarianism, collectivism, and more corporate social forms."
"Artistic and bohemian interests and lifestyles."
"Tradition or popular mass opinions and behaviors."
"The human individual."
"The human individual is of primary importance."
"Self-creation and experimentation, as opposed to tradition or popular mass opinions and behaviors, such as with humanist philosophical positions and ethics."