Welcome to this study – existentialism vs realism, two philosophies of thought that have shaped the way we perceive existence, reality, and the human condition. These two schools of thought offer contrasting perspectives on life’s fundamental questions, from the nature of being to the pursuit of meaning.
In this article, we’ll go into the depths of existentialism and realism, unraveling their core principles, examining their implications, and considering their impact on various aspects of human experience.
Should we dive in?
Definitions
Defining Existentialism
Existentialism, a philosophical movement that emerged in the 19th and 20th centuries, revolves around the exploration of individual existence, freedom, and choice. Rooted in the works of thinkers like Søren Kierkegaard, Friedrich Nietzsche, and Jean-Paul Sartre, existentialism emphasizes subjective experience and the importance of personal responsibility in navigating an inherently chaotic and meaningless world.
Defining Realism
Realism, on the other hand, is a philosophical perspective that focuses on the objective reality external to human perception. Originating in ancient Greek philosophy and flourishing during the Enlightenment era, realism asserts the existence of an external world governed by natural laws and principles, independent of human consciousness. It emphasizes the importance of empirical evidence and rational inquiry in understanding reality.
Existentialism vs Realism
Origins and Key Concepts
Existentialism
Existentialism finds its roots in the works of philosophers like Kierkegaard and Nietzsche, who explored the individual’s confrontation with the absurdity and meaninglessness of existence. It gained prominence in the 20th century through the existential writings of Sartre, Camus, and Heidegger. Key concepts include existential dread, authenticity, and the idea of existence preceding essence.
Realism
Realism traces back to ancient Greek philosophy, particularly the teachings of Aristotle, who emphasized the importance of empirical observation and logical reasoning in understanding the world. During the Enlightenment, realism flourished with thinkers like Descartes and Locke, advocating for a rational and objective approach to knowledge. Key concepts include the belief in an objective reality, the correspondence theory of truth, and scientific empiricism.
Core Tenets and Implications
Existentialism
Existentialism posits that individuals are responsible for creating their own meaning and defining their essence through their actions and choices. It rejects traditional notions of objective truth and emphasizes subjective experience and authenticity. Existentialism’s implications include the idea of radical freedom, the inevitability of anguish in confronting the absurdity of existence, and the call to embrace individual responsibility.
Realism
Realism asserts the existence of an objective reality independent of human perception or interpretation. It emphasizes the importance of empirical evidence and rational inquiry in understanding this reality. Realism’s implications include the belief in an external world governed by natural laws, the pursuit of scientific knowledge, and the rejection of subjective idealism or skepticism.
Views on Existence and Essence
Existentialism
Existentialism suggests that existence precedes essence, meaning that individuals are born into the world without predetermined meanings or purposes. Instead, they must create their own essence through their actions and choices. Existentialists argue that life is inherently meaningless, and individuals must confront this existential void by embracing their freedom and creating their own values.
Realism
Realism takes a different stance, asserting that essence precedes existence. According to realism, objects and entities possess intrinsic properties and characteristics that define their essence independently of human perception. Realists believe in the existence of a fixed and objective reality governed by natural laws, which determine the essence of things regardless of individual interpretation or subjective experience.
Human Nature and Individuality
Existentialism
Existentialism views human nature as fundamentally free and subjective. Individuals are seen as responsible agents who must navigate the complexities of existence through their choices and actions. Existentialists emphasize the uniqueness and individuality of each person, rejecting any predetermined essence or universal human nature.
Realism
Realism conceptualizes human nature as part of the broader natural world, subject to the same laws and principles governing the universe. While realists acknowledge human agency and individuality, they also recognize the influence of biological, social, and environmental factors in shaping human behavior and characteristics. Realism tends to emphasize the commonalities and shared characteristics among humans rather than focusing solely on individual uniqueness.
Morality and Ethics
Existentialism
Existentialism offers a subjective approach to morality and ethics, emphasizing personal responsibility and authenticity in moral decision-making. Existentialists reject the idea of universal moral truths or objective ethical standards, instead advocating for individuals to create their own values based on their subjective experiences and commitments.
Realism
Realism tends to adopt a more objective approach to morality and ethics, grounded in principles of rationality and empirical observation. While realists may acknowledge cultural and societal influences on moral values, they often seek to identify universal ethical principles that apply across different contexts and cultures. Realism emphasizes the importance of reason and evidence in guiding ethical decision-making, aiming for principles that are applicable and verifiable across diverse human experiences.
Engagement with Absurdity and Meaninglessness
Existentialism
Existentialism confronts the inherent absurdity and meaninglessness of existence head-on, advocating for individuals to embrace this reality rather than seeking to escape or deny it. Existentialists argue that life has no inherent meaning or purpose, and individuals must confront this existential void with courage and authenticity. They believe that embracing the absurdity of existence is the first step towards living authentically and finding personal meaning in a seemingly meaningless world.
Realism
Realism, while acknowledging the existence of objective reality, does not necessarily address the existential questions of meaning and purpose directly. Realists may recognize the absurdity of certain aspects of existence, but their focus is primarily on understanding and describing the objective world as it is, rather than dwelling on existential concerns. Realism tends to approach meaning and purpose from a more practical and empirical standpoint, emphasizing the pursuit of knowledge and understanding through scientific inquiry rather than existential introspection.
Relationship to Traditional Values and Institutions
Existentialism
Existentialism often challenges traditional values and institutions, viewing them as constraining and potentially stifling individual freedom and authenticity. Existentialists critique societal norms and conventions that dictate how individuals should live their lives, advocating for a more individualistic and self-directed approach to existence. They encourage individuals to question and challenge traditional beliefs and social structures in pursuit of personal authenticity and meaning.
Realism
Realism typically maintains a more neutral stance towards traditional values and institutions, recognizing their role in maintaining social order and stability. While realists may acknowledge the limitations or flaws of certain traditional beliefs or institutions, they also recognize their importance in providing structure and cohesion to society. Realism tends to value empirical evidence and rational inquiry over adherence to tradition, but it does not necessarily advocate for radical change or rejection of established norms without sufficient justification.
Perspectives on Freedom and Determinism
Existentialism
Existentialism champions the concept of radical freedom, asserting that individuals are ultimately responsible for their own choices and actions. Existentialists reject determinism, the idea that human behavior is entirely determined by external factors or pre-existing conditions, arguing instead for the inherent freedom of individuals to define themselves through their choices. Existentialism celebrates human agency and autonomy, viewing freedom as both a blessing and a burden that comes with the responsibility of creating one’s own meaning and identity.
Realism
Realism tends to take a more nuanced view of freedom and determinism, acknowledging the influence of both internal and external factors on human behavior. While realists recognize the importance of individual agency and autonomy, they also recognize the role of biological, social, and environmental factors in shaping human actions and decisions. Realism may embrace a compatibilist perspective, which reconciles the concept of free will with the recognition of causal determinism, allowing for a more nuanced understanding of human freedom within the constraints of natural laws and societal influences.
Impact on Literature, Art, and Culture
Existentialism
Existentialism has had a profound impact on literature, art, and culture, inspiring works that explore themes of existential angst, alienation, and the search for meaning in a seemingly indifferent universe. Existentialist literature often features characters grappling with the absurdity of existence, the anguish of choice, and the quest for authenticity and personal freedom. Existentialist art and film similarly reflect these themes, portraying the human condition in all its complexity and ambiguity.
Realism
Realism has also left its mark on literature, art, and culture, albeit in a different manner. Realist works aim to depict the world as it is, without embellishment or idealization, often focusing on the lives of ordinary people and the social realities of their time. Realist literature explores themes of class struggle, urbanization, and the human condition with a keen eye for detail and authenticity. Realist art and photography similarly seek to capture the truth of everyday life, portraying scenes and subjects with a sense of realism and honesty.
Practical Applications and Relevance
Existentialism
Existentialism offers practical applications in various aspects of life, particularly in psychology, therapy, and personal development. Existential therapy, inspired by existential philosophy, focuses on helping individuals confront existential concerns such as death, freedom, and meaninglessness, empowering them to live authentically and take responsibility for their choices. Existential principles also inform practices like mindfulness and self-reflection, encouraging individuals to embrace uncertainty and cultivate a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment in life.
Realism
Realism’s practical applications are evident across a wide range of disciplines, particularly in the sciences and social sciences. In scientific inquiry, realism provides a foundational framework for understanding the natural world, emphasizing the importance of empirical evidence and objective observation. Realism also informs fields like economics and political science, where an understanding of objective reality is essential for making informed decisions and policies. Additionally, realism’s emphasis on rationality and evidence-based reasoning is relevant in fields like education and critical thinking, where it promotes a rigorous approach to knowledge acquisition and analysis.
Closing Thoughts
In the realm of existentialism vs realism, we encounter two compelling philosophical perspectives that offer distinct lenses through which to view the world. While existentialism delves into the depths of individual experience, freedom, and meaning, realism provides a foundation for understanding the objective reality external to human perception. Both philosophies have left indelible marks on our understanding of existence, morality, and human nature, shaping not only philosophical discourse but also literature, art, and culture. As we navigate the complexities of life, may we continue to draw insights from both existentialism and realism, enriching our understanding of the human condition and our place in the universe.