Our goal in this article is to answer a fundamental question in the world of philosophical studies – What is Existentialism?
We’ll begin by reviewing the origins of Existentialism in the 19th century and how in the post-war 20th century it emerged as a reaction to the idealized view of academic philosophy which (according to existentialists) tended to be based on rational thought disconnected from the everyday human experience.
Next, we’ll look at some of the most influential proponents of Existentialism many of whom were existentialist philosophers long before the term was Existentialism came into vogue in the Left-bank cafés of Paris. For instance, even though the term was coined in the 20th century and was all the rage in post-war Europe, it has been posthumously attributed to 19th century philosophers like Kierkegaard and Nietzsche, with the former even considered the “father of Existentialism”.
The second half of the article will focus on the core principles of Existentialism and how it manifests in artistic mediums, including literature, theater, music, art, and film.
The article has been structured to act as a jump-off point to other articles where you can further explore each of the above topics in depth.
So, buckle up let’s dive in!
A Definition: What Is Existentialism?
Existentialism is a philosophical movement that believes that the human existence cannot be completely described simply by rational, idealistic or scientific terms and that individual freedom, responsibility and experience are what define it.
At its essence, existentialism is a rejection of the idea of predetermined essence or universal truths. On the contrary, it emphasizes the responsibility of each individual to create their own meaning and purpose in life.
At the core of Existentialism lies the individual. The focus of Existentialism is on the individual rather than the group. It believes that there is no predetermined, fixed definition of a human being but rather we can create ourselves based on our choices and actions.
Consequently, Existentialism is rooted in specific events and human experiences rather than abstract ideas, theories or imagination. And in doing so, Existentialism encourages deep introspection and challenges conventional notions of identity, morality, and reality.
Origins and Influences
Existentialism finds its origins in the fertile intellectual soil of 19th and 20th-century philosophy, primary as a reaction to a changing world where the modern human experience could not be described by traditional thinking.
Roots in 19th and 20th Century Philosophy
Existentialism emerged amidst the tumultuous landscape of the 19th and 20th centuries, a period marked by rapid industrialization, political upheaval, world wars and profound cultural shifts. Philosophers of this era grappled with the erosion of traditional values, the decline of religious authority, and the existential challenges posed by modernity. It was within this crucible of change that existentialism began to take shape, finding early expression in the works of luminaries such as Søren Kierkegaard (1813 – 1855) and Friedrich Nietzsche (1844 – 1900).
While Kierkegaard used the term “existential philosophy”, it actually only became an “-ism” in the popular culture of post-war France when after the catastrophies of both World Wars, Existentialism captured the world’s imagination with philosophers like Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir become household names.
Influential Thinkers
Friedrich Nietzsche: The Critic of Morality
Friedrich Nietzsche, a seminal figure in existentialist thought, profoundly influenced the development of agnostic existentialism. Nietzsche’s critique of traditional morality, his exploration of the “death of God,” and his emphasis on individual autonomy and self-overcoming laid the groundwork for agnostic existentialist perspectives. His concept of the “Übermensch” or “overman” challenged conventional notions of morality and encouraged individuals to transcend societal norms and embrace their own values.
Jean-Paul Sartre: Radical Freedom and Responsibility
Jean-Paul Sartre, another pivotal figure in existentialism, further shaped the trajectory of agnostic existentialism with his radical ideas. Sartre’s existentialist philosophy, encapsulated in his concept of “existence precedes essence” and his focus on radical freedom and responsibility, resonated deeply with agnostic existentialist themes. According to Sartre, individuals are condemned to be free, meaning that they are responsible for their choices and the subsequent consequences, regardless of external circumstances or determinism.
Simone de Beauvoir: Existential Feminism and Ethics of Ambiguity
Simone de Beauvoir, an influential existentialist philosopher and feminist theorist, added significant depth to the understanding of human existence within an agnostic framework. Beauvoir’s contributions extended beyond traditional existentialist themes, as she explored existential feminism and the existentialist ethics of ambiguity. In her seminal work, “The Second Sex,” Beauvoir examined the ways in which women’s existence is shaped by social, cultural, and existential factors, challenging the traditional patriarchal narratives that govern gender roles and identity.
Additionally, her concept of “the ethics of ambiguity” underscores the inherent uncertainty and complexity of human existence, emphasizing the importance of embracing ambiguity and taking responsibility for one’s choices in a world devoid of absolutes.
Albert Camus: Absurdism and the Search for Meaning
Albert Camus, known for his philosophy of absurdism, contributed significantly to the development of agnostic existentialism. Camus argued that life is inherently meaningless and absurd, devoid of any inherent purpose or value. In the face of this existential absurdity, individuals are tasked with creating their own meaning and value through their actions and choices, despite the inherent lack of inherent meaning in the universe.
Martin Heidegger: Being and Authenticity
Martin Heidegger‘s existential phenomenology offered profound insights into the nature of being and authenticity, influencing agnostic existentialist thought. Heidegger emphasized the importance of individual existence in relation to the world, highlighting the concept of “being-towards-death” as a fundamental aspect of human existence. According to Heidegger, individuals must confront their mortality and finitude to live authentically, embracing their existential freedom and responsibility in the face of uncertainty.
Karl Jaspers: Existential Communication and Transcendence
Karl Jaspers, a philosopher and psychiatrist, contributed to agnostic existentialism through his exploration of existential communication and transcendence. Jaspers emphasized the significance of authentic communication and interpersonal relationships in navigating the complexities of human existence. Additionally, he delved into the concept of transcendence, arguing that individuals can transcend their immediate circumstances through acts of creativity, love, and self-transcendence, thereby enriching their lives and expanding their existential horizons.
Core Principles of Existentialism
Existentialism stands on a bedrock of core principles that shape its philosophical landscape. Let’s delve deeper into these guiding tenets that illuminate the essence of existential thought.
Existence Precedes Essence
Descartes said “I think therefore I am”. Jean-Paul Sartre turned this statement on its head by stating instead that “existence precedes essence“. In one of his lectures, Sartre explained that Existentialism is a Humanism – which of course became the title of one his most famous books. So according Sartre we are nothing when we are born and we become something solely by our actions and our current self is a collection of past commitments that we have made.
So, Existentialism flips the script on traditional notions of essence preceding existence. Unlike objects or natural phenomena with predetermined essences, existentialists assert that humans are born into a world devoid of inherent meaning or purpose. This forms the basics of the core beliefs of Existentialism.
Instead, individuals carve out their essence through the choices they make and the actions they take. This principle underscores the existentialist belief in human freedom, emphasizing the profound responsibility individuals hold in shaping their own identities and destinies.
Freedom and Responsibility
At the heart of existentialism lies a profound reverence for human freedom intertwined with an equally weighty sense of responsibility. Existentialists champion the idea that individuals are fundamentally free beings, endowed with the agency to make choices and chart their own paths in life.
However, this freedom comes hand in hand with the weight of responsibility – the recognition that one’s choices carry consequences that cannot be escaped or evaded. This principle highlights the existentialist call to embrace the burden of responsibility, to own one’s choices, and to confront the inevitable consequences head-on.
Anxiety and Absurdity
Existentialism confronts the existential angst that accompanies the human condition – the gnawing sense of anxiety in the face of life’s inherent absurdity. In recognizing the fundamental lack of inherent meaning in the universe, existentialists contend that humans are thrust into a state of existential dread.
Confronting this absurdity can evoke feelings of anxiety and despair as individuals grapple with the realization that life is ultimately devoid of predetermined purpose. However, existentialists argue that embracing this absurdity can lead to a deeper understanding of the human condition and pave the way for authentic existence.
Authenticity
Authenticity emerges as a guiding light in the existentialist journey, illuminating the path towards genuine self-expression and meaningful living. Existentialists urge individuals to cast off the shackles of societal expectations and cultural norms in favor of authenticity – the unwavering commitment to living in alignment with one’s true self and values.
This principle exhorts individuals to peel back the layers of social conditioning and embrace the raw, unfiltered essence of their being. In doing so, existentialists argue, individuals can unlock a deeper sense of fulfillment and purpose in life.
Individuality and Alienation
Existentialism celebrates the kaleidoscope of human individuality while simultaneously acknowledging the profound sense of alienation that pervades the human experience. Despite the connections we have to each other as social beings, existentialists argue that each individual is fundamentally alone in their subjective experience of the world.
This sense of existential solitude can evoke feelings of alienation as individuals grapple with the inherent isolation of existence. However, existentialists see this alienation not as a curse, but as a catalyst for self-discovery and authentic living. By embracing our individuality and confronting our existential aloneness, we can forge our own unique paths in life and chart a course towards genuine fulfillment.
Existentialism in Artistic Mediums
Existentialism’s profound insights into the human condition have reverberated across a multitude of artistic mediums, leaving an indelible mark on literature, theater, music, art, and film. Let’s explore how existential themes permeate these creative realms, giving voice to the existential angst and philosophical inquiries that define the movement.
Existentialism in Literature
Literature has long served as a fertile ground for existential exploration, with writers delving deep into the complexities of human existence and the search for meaning. From the existential despair of Russian novelist Fyodor Dostoevsky‘s “Notes from Underground” to the absurdist absurdity of Albert Camus‘s “The Stranger,” existential themes infuse literary works with a profound sense of introspection and existential inquiry.
Existentialism in Theater
In the world of theater, existentialist themes come to life on the stage, probing the depths of human consciousness and existential angst. Playwrights such as Samuel Beckett and Eugene Ionesco pioneered the Theater of the Absurd, crafting works that grapple with the absurdity of existence and the futility of human endeavor. The term Theater of the Absurd was coined by Martin Esslin.
Apart from plays of Beckett and Ionesco they also include those of Jean Genet, Arthur Adamov and Harold Pinter. Through their innovative theatrical techniques and existential narratives, these playwrights challenge audiences to confront the inherent absurdity of life and the fleeting nature of human existence.
Existentialism in Music
Music serves as a powerful medium for expressing existential themes, with composers and musicians channeling the depths of human emotion and existential inquiry through their compositions. From the existential anguish of Beethoven’s late quartets to the introspective musings of Bob Dylan’s lyrics (eg his “It’s Alright Ma, I’m Only Bleeding.”), existentialism finds resonance in a diverse array of musical genres and styles.
Through the medium of music, artists capture the essence of existential experience, inviting listeners to contemplate the mysteries of life and the complexities of the human condition. These experiences often reflect the reality of life that they exist in. For instance, the pressure of the Vietnam War and the draft in the late ’60s reflected on contemporary rock and roll music. These existential themes were ever present in the works of Jim Morrison, Jimi Hendrix and others.
Existentialism in Art
Artistic expression offers a canvas for existential exploration, with visual artists grappling with themes of existence, alienation, and the search for meaning. From the haunting landscapes of Edvard Munch to the surreal dreamscapes of Salvador Dali, existentialist artists evoke a sense of existential dread and existential longing through their evocative imagery and symbolism. Through their art, these visionaries invite viewers to confront the existential questions that lie at the heart of the human experience.
Existentialism in Film
In the world of cinema, existentialist themes are brought to life on the silver screen, with filmmakers exploring the complexities of human existence and the existential dilemmas that define the human condition.
From the existential despair of Ingmar Bergman’s “The Seventh Seal” to the existential absurdity of Charlie Kaufman’s “Synecdoche, New York,” existentialism finds expression in a diverse array of cinematic masterpieces.
James Dean perhaps became the quintessential existential character from his roles in films like Rebel Without a Cause and East of Eden. Likewise Breathless by Jean-Luc Godard taking the story back to France where modern-day Existentialism rose to prominence.
Through their thought-provoking narratives and existential imagery, these filmmakers challenge audiences to confront the existential questions that lie at the heart of the human experience.
Closing Thoughts
So, that concludes this brief exploration of the profound question – What is Existentialism? We hope that this quick overview of the topic from its roots in philosophy to its manifestations in literature, theater, music, art, and film, existentialism was useful beginning your exploration of the topic.
We live in a world fraught with uncertainty and existential angst. Maybe the study of Existentialism can serve as a guiding light to illuminate the path towards self-discovery, meaning, and genuine fulfillment.