Existentialism is a philosophy that explores individual freedom, choice, and responsibility. It challenges people to find meaning in a world without inherent purpose. Teaching existentialism helps students think critically about life, identity, and decision-making.
In the classroom, existentialism encourages deep discussions and self-reflection. It pushes students to question assumptions and explore their beliefs. These skills are valuable for personal growth and intellectual development.
Using effective teaching methods makes existentialist ideas more engaging and accessible. By combining discussion, literature, creative assignments, and group activities, educators can help students connect with existentialist themes in a meaningful way.
Understanding Existentialism
Existentialism is a philosophical movement that focuses on human freedom, personal responsibility, and the search for meaning. It emerged in the 19th and 20th centuries, with key figures such as Søren Kierkegaard, Friedrich Nietzsche, Jean-Paul Sartre, and Albert Camus. Kierkegaard emphasized the importance of individual faith and subjective truth, while Nietzsche challenged traditional morality and introduced the idea of the “will to power.” Sartre argued that existence precedes essence, meaning people define themselves through their actions. Camus explored the absurd, stating that life has no inherent meaning but that individuals must create their own. These concepts encourage students to question their assumptions and develop their own perspectives.
Existentialist ideas are highly relevant to students’ lives. Adolescents and young adults often struggle with identity, purpose, and autonomy—central themes in existentialism. Teaching these concepts can help students navigate uncertainty, take ownership of their choices, and critically examine societal expectations. For example, discussing Sartre’s idea of radical freedom can help students understand the weight of their decisions. Exploring Camus’ “Myth of Sisyphus” can provide insight into finding personal meaning in everyday life. By engaging with these ideas, students gain tools to handle challenges and make thoughtful, independent choices.
Various Teaching Methods for Existentialism
#1. Socratic Seminar Discussions
Socratic seminars encourage students to engage in critical dialogue, a method that aligns well with existentialism’s emphasis on personal interpretation and meaning-making. Inspired by Socrates’ method of questioning, this approach allows students to explore existential themes through structured discussion rather than passive learning. The teacher poses open-ended questions that challenge students to analyze philosophical texts and articulate their viewpoints.
For instance, a seminar on Sartre’s “Existentialism Is a Humanism” might begin with the question: “If existence precedes essence, what responsibilities do we have in shaping who we are?” Through discussion, students can explore the tension between freedom and responsibility. Another effective question might be: “How does Camus’ idea of the absurd challenge traditional views on meaning?” Encouraging students to respond to their peers fosters critical thinking and a deeper engagement with existentialist philosophy.
#2. Use of Literature and Film
Literature and film serve as powerful tools for illustrating existentialist themes, offering concrete narratives that bring abstract concepts to life. Classic existentialist novels, such as Albert Camus’ “The Stranger” and Jean-Paul Sartre’s “Nausea,” explore themes of alienation, absurdity, and personal freedom. Similarly, Franz Kafka’s “The Trial” and Fyodor Dostoevsky’s “Notes from Underground” provide insight into existential despair and the struggle for meaning in an indifferent world.
Films like “The Truman Show” reflect existentialist questions about authenticity and free will, while “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” examines memory and identity. Showing these films and discussing them in the context of existentialist philosophy allows students to analyze characters’ struggles, relate them to philosophical concepts, and apply those ideas to their own lives. By seeing these themes play out in storytelling, students gain a deeper understanding of existentialist thought beyond theoretical discussions.
#3. Debate and Role-Playing
Debating existentialist ideas allows students to critically engage with competing philosophical perspectives. By defending or challenging existentialist principles, students develop analytical skills and an understanding of complex arguments. For instance, a classroom debate could center on the question: “Is absolute freedom a burden or a gift?” with students using Sartre’s and Kierkegaard’s ideas to support their arguments.
Role-playing adds another layer of engagement. Students can assume the roles of famous existentialist thinkers—Sartre, Camus, Nietzsche, or Simone de Beauvoir—and engage in a hypothetical discussion on ethics or human existence. For example, one student playing Nietzsche might argue against religious morality, while another, acting as Kierkegaard, defends faith as an essential part of human meaning. This interactive approach helps students embody philosophical perspectives, making abstract concepts more tangible and memorable.
#4. Personal Reflection Journals
Existentialism is deeply introspective, making personal reflection journals a valuable tool for students to internalize key themes. Journaling allows students to explore their own thoughts on freedom, identity, and meaning without the pressure of classroom debate.
Teachers can provide prompts such as: “Describe a time when you made a choice that defined who you are. How does this relate to Sartre’s idea of ‘existence precedes essence’?” or “Camus argues that life is absurd, yet we must find our own meaning. Do you agree? Why or why not?” Regular journaling exercises encourage students to apply philosophical ideas to their personal experiences, reinforcing existentialist principles through self-exploration.
#5. Philosophy Case Studies
Case studies allow students to analyze real-world examples where existentialist ideas have played a role. For instance, Viktor Frankl, a Holocaust survivor and psychiatrist, developed logotherapy, a psychological approach grounded in the idea that humans can endure suffering if they find personal meaning. His book, “Man’s Search for Meaning,” serves as an excellent case study for discussing existentialist responses to adversity.
Another example is Martin Luther King Jr.’s existential struggle with moral responsibility in the face of injustice. His commitment to nonviolent resistance despite existential uncertainty can be contrasted with Sartre’s ideas on engaged freedom. Examining how real individuals have grappled with existential dilemmas helps students see the philosophy’s practical applications beyond theoretical debate.
#6. Group Projects and Presentations
Group projects encourage collaboration while deepening students’ understanding of existentialist thought. Assignments can vary in format, from multimedia presentations to creative storytelling projects. For instance, students could be assigned different existentialist thinkers and asked to present their central ideas in an engaging way.
A compelling project might involve students creating a podcast where they discuss existentialist themes in modern culture, such as the fear of missing out (FOMO) in relation to Sartre’s idea of “bad faith.” Another option is a research project comparing existentialist themes in different cultures, showing how similar questions about existence appear in Eastern philosophies like Zen Buddhism and Western existentialism. These activities reinforce comprehension and allow students to explore existentialism in ways that feel relevant to their own lives.
#7. Visual Aids and Graphic Organizers
Existentialist ideas can be abstract and complex, making visual tools essential for breaking them down into more digestible parts. Graphic organizers, such as Venn diagrams or flowcharts, help students compare and contrast different existentialist thinkers and concepts.
For example, a chart outlining the key differences between Camus’ absurdism and Sartre’s existentialism can help students grasp why Camus rejected existentialist optimism. Mind maps that link concepts like “freedom,” “absurdity,” “authenticity,” and “anguish” can help students see how existentialist themes interconnect. Using infographics and visual summaries also aids retention, making it easier for students to recall philosophical principles when applying them in discussions or written assignments.
#8. Class Debrief and Open Discussions
Existentialist philosophy often challenges students’ core beliefs, making it essential to provide a space for reflection and discussion. After engaging with readings, debates, or films, an open discussion allows students to process and articulate their thoughts.
Teachers can guide conversations with questions such as: “How does existentialism challenge traditional morality?” or “Do you find existentialist ideas liberating or unsettling? Why?” These discussions help students refine their thoughts, clarify misconceptions, and see how their peers interpret existentialism differently. Encouraging respectful dialogue fosters a deeper appreciation for the diversity of thought within philosophy.
#9. Creative Assignments
Existentialism lends itself to artistic expression, making creative assignments a powerful way for students to explore its themes. Writing short stories, composing poetry, or creating artwork inspired by existentialist ideas allows students to engage with philosophy in a deeply personal way.
For example, students might write a short story about a character experiencing an existential crisis, grappling with freedom and choice. A visual assignment could involve creating a symbolic artwork that represents the absurd, such as a maze with no exit. These projects help students internalize existentialist ideas by translating them into their own creative expression.
#10. Comparative Philosophy Approach
Existentialism does not exist in isolation; comparing it with other philosophical traditions helps students see how different perspectives address similar existential concerns. For example, Nietzsche’s rejection of absolute truth can be contrasted with Buddhist teachings on impermanence. Similarly, existentialism’s focus on subjective meaning can be compared to Stoicism’s emphasis on virtue and rational control over emotions.
A classroom discussion could explore how existentialist freedom differs from religious determinism. Students might analyze how Eastern and Western philosophies approach suffering and personal responsibility. These comparisons not only deepen students’ understanding of existentialism but also broaden their appreciation for the diversity of philosophical thought across cultures and traditions.
Conclusion
Teaching existentialism equips students with critical thinking skills and a deeper understanding of personal freedom, responsibility, and meaning. Using varied methods—discussions, literature, debates, creative projects, and comparative analysis—ensures students engage with existentialist ideas in meaningful ways. These approaches help students connect philosophy to their own lives, encouraging self-reflection and intellectual growth.
Existentialist thought challenges students to question assumptions and take ownership of their choices. By fostering deep discussions and personal exploration, educators can make philosophy relevant and impactful. Teaching existentialism is not just about theory—it’s about empowering students to think independently and live authentically.