Existentialism

Existentialism

Related to ‘theatre of absurd’

-Emphasis on individual existence, Freedom and choice

-The term was adopted as a self description by Jean Paul Satre in his essay Being and nothingness: An essay on phenomenology.

-Major philosophers are Albert Camus & Heidegger.

-They viewed human beings as isolated in an alien universe.

-Albert Camus essay “The Myth of Sisyphus” is base for Theatre of absurd.

The Punishment Of Sisyphus

For his offenses to both Zeus and Hades, Sisyphus was condemned to eternal punishment in Tartarus, the lowest region of the Underworld.

The king of Corinth would forever roll a massive boulder to the top of a steep hill. But his efforts were always in vain, for whenever Sisyphus neared the top, the rock would roll right back down again. Sisyphus was thus forced to start his labor all over again.

-Martin Heidegger adopted Hermeneutics into existential philosophy on Dasein (Being in the word) in his book “Being and Time”(1927) (or Sein and zeit)

-Dostovsky’s Notes from Underground’ portrays a man unable to fit into society, and unhappy with the identity.

-first existentialist philosopher is Soren Kierke Gaard.

-Nihilism Latin word nihil. = nothing originated in Russia by Turgenev meaning is repudiating the social institutions such as marriage parental et authority.

-Frederich Neitzsche is an important philosopher in Nihilism and ed existentialism.

Existentialism

The term is a compound of 'exist' and 'essence'. Existence comes before essence. That is to say, man exists before he acquires essence, a definite individuality. The difference is between 'being' and 'be- coming'. Other things also exist, but man differs from them in that, he is free to become a personality. Water or wine is simply 'being': it cannot 'become'. Man, on the other hand, can 'become', for example, by choosing to deny God and traditional social values. Strong men transcend the tyrannical discipline of a stupid society and make their own values, commit themselves to a cause in their effort to change society. They overcome life's complexities; weak men make vain efforts to escape from them. In short, man must change mere existence into essence by asserting his freedom and making his own character.

Existentialism is a philosophical and literary movement that originated in Europe in the 20th century. It is a way of thinking that emphasizes individual freedom and choice, and the importance of personal responsibility and meaning in life. The existentialist perspective holds that individuals are free to create their own meaning and purpose in life, rather than being governed by any external forces or divine plan.

One of the key themes of existentialism is the concept of existential angst, or the feeling of disorientation and confusion that can arise when individuals realize the full extent of their freedom and responsibility. This feeling often arises from the realization that life has no inherent meaning or purpose, and that individuals must create their own values and goals.

Another important aspect of existentialism is the idea of authenticity. Existentialists believe that individuals should strive to be true to themselves and their own values, rather than conforming to societal norms or expectations. This means that individuals must take responsibility for their own choices and actions, and be willing to face the consequences of those choices.

Existentialism has had a significant impact on both philosophy and literature. Some of the most well-known existentialist philosophers include Jean-Paul Sartre, Martin Heidegger, and Friedrich Nietzsche. These thinkers explored the nature of existence, the meaning of life, and the relationship between individual freedom and social structures.

In literature, existentialism has been particularly influential in the works of writers such as Albert Camus, Samuel Beckett, and Franz Kafka. These authors often depicted characters struggling to find meaning in a world that seems chaotic and meaningless. Their works explore the existential themes of freedom, choice, responsibility, and authenticity.

Existentialism has also had an impact on psychology and therapy. Existential therapy emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility, self-awareness, and the search for meaning and purpose in life. Therapists who use this approach often help their clients to confront their own existential concerns, such as mortality, freedom, and the search for meaning.

Contributors of existentialism:

Søren Kierkegaard is often considered the father of existentialism. He was a Danish philosopher who lived in the 19th century and was one of the first thinkers to explore the nature of subjective experience, individual choice, and personal responsibility. Kierkegaard's work emphasized the importance of the individual's subjective experience of the world, and he believed that individuals had the power to create their own meaning and purpose in life. He also emphasized the importance of personal responsibility and the need to make choices in the face of uncertainty and ambiguity. Kierkegaard's ideas had a profound influence on the development of existentialism as a philosophical and literary movement, and many subsequent existentialist thinkers have drawn on his work in their own writings.

Gabriel Marcel - This French philosopher and playwright explored themes of love, hope, and faith in his work. He believed that individuals could find meaning and purpose in relationships with others, and emphasized the importance of community and connection.

Simone de Beauvoir - This French writer and philosopher was a close collaborator and partner of Jean-Paul Sartre. She wrote extensively about the experience of women in a male-dominated world, and explored themes of freedom, choice, and authenticity in her work.

Martin Buber - This Jewish philosopher emphasized the importance of dialogue and personal relationships in his work. He believed that individuals could find meaning and purpose in their connections with others, and emphasized the importance of mutual understanding and respect.

Albert Camus - This French philosopher and writer explored themes of freedom, choice, and the search for meaning in his work. He is perhaps best known for his novel The Stranger, which has become a classic work of existentialist literature.

Works influenced by existentialism:

The Stranger by Albert Camus - This novel is perhaps the quintessential existentialist work. It tells the story of Meursault, a detached and indifferent man who is accused of murder. Meursault's struggle to find meaning in life, and his ultimate acceptance of the absurdity of existence, reflect the central themes of existentialism.

Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett - This play is a classic example of the Theatre of the Absurd, a movement in which characters are confronted with an absurd and meaningless world. The two main characters, Vladimir and Estragon, wait endlessly for a figure named Godot, but he never arrives. The play explores themes of futility, meaninglessness, and the search for purpose.

The Trial by Franz Kafka - This novel tells the story of Josef K., a man who is arrested and put on trial for a crime he may or may not have committed. The novel explores themes of guilt, punishment, and the arbitrariness of authority. Josef K.'s struggle to understand the charges against him, and to find meaning in his situation, reflect the existentialist concern with individual freedom and responsibility.

No Exit by Jean-Paul Sartre - This play is set in a hellish room in which three characters are trapped for eternity. The characters are forced to confront their own flaws and failures, and to accept responsibility for their actions. The play explores themes of guilt, freedom, and the search for meaning.

The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka - This novella tells the story of Gregor Samsa, a man who wakes up one day to find that he has been transformed into a giant insect. The novella explores themes of alienation, isolation, and the struggle to find meaning in an absurd world. Gregor's transformation reflects the existentialist concern with the limits of human freedom and the arbitrary nature of existence.

The Myth of Sisyphus is a philosophical essay by Albert Camus, and it is closely related to the philosophy of existentialism. In the essay, Camus explores the theme of the absurdity of human existence and the search for meaning in an apparently meaningless world. The essay takes its title from the mythological figure of Sisyphus, who is condemned by the gods to roll a boulder up a hill, only to see it roll back down again, for all eternity. Camus uses the figure of Sisyphus as a metaphor for the human condition, arguing that the struggle for meaning and purpose in life is a constant and never-ending task, much like Sisyphus's futile labor.

Camus's essay is considered one of the classic works of existentialist literature, and it emphasizes the importance of individual freedom, choice, and personal responsibility in the face of an uncertain and unpredictable world. The essay also explores the themes of authenticity, rebellion, and the search for meaning and purpose in life. Overall, the Myth of Sisyphus is a powerful statement of the existentialist worldview, and it has had a significant impact on the development of existentialist philosophy and literature.