Existentialism is a philosophical movement that emphasizes individual freedom, choice, and responsibility. It challenges traditional beliefs and rejects external sources of meaning. Thinkers like Jean-Paul Sartre and Albert Camus argue that people must create their own purpose. However, this philosophy has inherent limitations. Absolute freedom can be overwhelming. Subjective meaning lacks a solid foundation.
Many struggle with isolation, alienation, and existential anxiety. The rejection of universal truths leads to moral ambiguity. Critics argue that existentialism can cause emotional and psychological distress. This article examines these limitations and explores the challenges of embracing existentialist thought.
Defining Existentialism
Core Beliefs of Existentialism
Existentialism is a philosophy that centers on individual freedom, personal responsibility, and the search for meaning in an indifferent universe. It argues that humans are not born with a predetermined purpose but must create their own through choices and actions. This idea is often summarized by Jean-Paul Sartre’s phrase, “existence precedes essence”, meaning that people define themselves through their experiences rather than conforming to an inherent nature.
Another core belief is authenticity, the idea that individuals must live truthfully according to their values rather than conforming to societal norms. Existentialists reject the idea that external authorities, such as religion or tradition, dictate meaning. Instead, they emphasize personal agency and the necessity of confronting life’s uncertainties without relying on predetermined structures. This emphasis on freedom and personal meaning has made existentialism influential in literature, psychology, and ethics.
Key Thinkers
Several philosophers have shaped existentialist thought, each contributing unique perspectives. Jean-Paul Sartre (1905–1980) was a leading figure who argued that humans are condemned to be free, meaning they bear full responsibility for their choices. He viewed this radical freedom as both liberating and burdensome. His work, Being and Nothingness, explores the complexities of human consciousness and self-creation.
Albert Camus (1913–1960), often associated with existentialism, focused on the concept of the absurd—the conflict between humans’ desire for meaning and the silent, indifferent universe. In The Myth of Sisyphus, he argues that people must confront absurdity and create meaning despite its apparent futility. Other key figures include Friedrich Nietzsche, who proclaimed the “death of God” and emphasized self-overcoming, and Martin Heidegger, who explored existence through the lens of being and time. These thinkers laid the foundation for existentialism’s impact on modern thought.
Limitations of Existentialism
#1. The Burden of Absolute Freedom
Existentialism places extreme emphasis on personal freedom and individual choice. Jean-Paul Sartre famously stated that humans are “condemned to be free,” meaning they bear full responsibility for their actions without external guidance. While this concept promotes self-determination, it also creates psychological pressure. Without universal moral standards or societal structures to rely on, individuals must navigate ethical dilemmas alone. This can lead to paralysis by analysis, where the weight of unlimited choices causes anxiety and indecision.
This burden can be overwhelming, especially in modern societies where choices are vast and complex. Existentialist freedom assumes that individuals can always act authentically, yet external factors like social conditioning, economic status, and psychological influences often limit true autonomy. Critics argue that absolute freedom disregards these constraints, making existentialism an idealistic rather than practical framework. Without clear ethical guidelines, people may struggle with decision-making, leading to confusion and inner turmoil.
#2. The Problem of Subjective Meaning
Existentialists argue that meaning is not inherent but must be created individually. This rejection of objective purpose leads to subjective relativism, where each person constructs their own meaning of life. While this may empower some, it can leave others feeling lost. If meaning is entirely self-determined, does it hold any lasting significance? Without shared truths, existential meaning risks becoming arbitrary or fragile.
Furthermore, subjective meaning lacks a foundation beyond personal perception. Religious and traditional worldviews offer collective narratives that provide stability and purpose. In contrast, existentialist meaning is constantly in flux, vulnerable to personal crises or external disruptions. A person who finds meaning in their career, for example, may struggle if they lose their job. Without a larger framework to rely on, existentialists may experience existential despair when their constructed meaning is challenged.
#3. Isolation and Alienation
Existentialism emphasizes individuality, but this often results in deep isolation. Sartre described human relationships as a struggle for power, famously stating in No Exit that “hell is other people.” While he did not mean this literally, he suggested that self-definition often clashes with the judgments of others. When meaning is personally constructed, interpersonal connections can feel superficial or conflicting, as others may not share one’s values or existential outlook.
This alienation is particularly pronounced in an increasingly disconnected world. Modern existential struggles include loneliness, lack of community, and difficulty forming deep connections. Unlike religious or communal traditions that provide shared meaning, existentialism offers no inherent social framework. Individuals must create their own sense of belonging, which can be challenging. This isolation is evident in literature, such as Franz Kafka’s The Metamorphosis, where the protagonist’s existential crisis leads to his complete alienation from family and society.
#4. The Absurdity Dilemma
Albert Camus introduced the concept of the absurd, which arises from the conflict between humanity’s search for meaning and the universe’s indifference. He argued that recognizing this absurdity is essential to existentialist thought. However, this realization often leads to a philosophical deadlock—if life has no inherent meaning, why pursue anything at all? Camus proposed revolt, suggesting that people should embrace absurdity and live despite it.
While this perspective encourages resilience, it also leaves no resolution beyond acceptance. Critics argue that simply acknowledging absurdity does not provide a satisfying answer. If all pursuits are ultimately meaningless, why does one choice matter over another? Some existentialists, like Kierkegaard, saw this dilemma as leading to nihilism unless resolved through faith or an external purpose. The lack of a clear alternative makes existentialism difficult for those seeking a more structured approach to meaning.
#5. Moral Ambiguity and Responsibility
With no universal moral code, existentialism forces individuals to create their own ethical frameworks. Sartre believed that people must act in “good faith” and take full responsibility for their actions. However, this subjectivity creates moral ambiguity, as what is right or wrong is determined by personal interpretation. Without objective morality, ethics become relative, leading to potential conflicts and inconsistencies.
For example, existentialism does not provide a definitive stance on moral dilemmas like justice or altruism. While it encourages responsibility, it lacks a mechanism for resolving ethical disputes beyond personal conviction. This can be dangerous, as subjective morality can justify harmful actions if an individual deems them necessary. Critics argue that existentialism’s rejection of absolute morality makes it an unstable foundation for ethical decision-making.
#6. Rejection of Universal Truths
Existentialism rejects absolute truths in favor of personal meaning and subjective experience. This rejection is a direct response to traditional structures like religion and ideology, which claim to offer objective reality. While this may seem liberating, it also erodes common ground for shared understanding. If all truths are individual, meaningful discourse and agreement become difficult.
Moreover, existentialism’s denial of universal truths contradicts itself—if all truths are subjective, then existentialism itself cannot be an objective truth. This paradox weakens the philosophy’s foundation, making it difficult to argue against other worldviews. In a world that relies on shared realities for cooperation and societal progress, existentialism’s radical subjectivity poses challenges in establishing meaningful consensus.
#7. Emotional and Psychological Toll
Existentialist thought often leads to existential anxiety, as individuals confront the weight of freedom, responsibility, and meaninglessness. This anxiety can manifest as dread, despair, or depression. Kierkegaard referred to this as “the sickness unto death”, the deep anxiety that arises from realizing the lack of inherent purpose. Many struggle to cope with the emotional burden of defining their own existence without external guidance.
Furthermore, existentialist themes are prevalent in mental health struggles. Feelings of isolation, absurdity, and nihilism can contribute to depressive symptoms. While some find empowerment in existentialism’s call for self-creation, others feel overwhelmed by its demands. Without a clear resolution, existentialism may exacerbate psychological distress rather than alleviate it, particularly for those who seek structured meaning in life.
Closing Thoughts
Existentialism provides a powerful framework for understanding human freedom, responsibility, and the search for meaning. It challenges traditional worldviews and empowers individuals to define their own purpose. However, its limitations reveal significant challenges. The burden of absolute freedom, the instability of subjective meaning, and the risk of isolation create psychological and philosophical difficulties. The rejection of universal truths and objective morality leads to ambiguity, while the confrontation with absurdity offers little resolution beyond acceptance.
While existentialism remains influential, it is not without flaws. Recognizing these limitations helps individuals engage critically with existentialist thought. Whether one embraces or critiques it, existentialism continues to shape discussions on meaning, ethics, and personal identity.