In moments of profound doubt, when faced with a difficult choice, or contemplating our place in a seemingly indifferent universe, we touch upon themes central to existentialism. More than just a philosophical school, existentialism is a rich and often challenging exploration of what it means to be a conscious individual navigating a world without inherent, predetermined meaning.
At its heart, existentialism focusses on the individual human existence, emphasising freedom, choice, and responsibility. Unlike philosophies that start with universal truths or abstract ideas about human nature, existentialism begins with the concrete reality of being-in-the-world.
One of the most famous tenets, articulated by Jean-Paul Sartre, is “existence precedes essence.” This is a radical departure from traditional thought. Think of a manufactured object, like a knife. Its essence (what it is for – cutting) is determined before it exists. For humans, existentialists argue, this is not the case. We are born into existence first, and only then do we define our “essence” – what we are, our purpose, our values – through our choices and actions. We are, in Sartre’s words, “condemned to be free.”
This absolute freedom is not a comfortable state; it comes with profound responsibility. Because we are free to choose who we become, we are entirely responsible for our own lives. Every decision shapes us. Furthermore, existentialists like Sartre suggested that in choosing for ourselves, we are also choosing for humanity, creating a model of how a human could be. This weight of responsibility, coupled with the lack of external justification for our values, can lead to anguish or dread.
Another key theme is the absurd. This refers to the conflict between humanity’s innate search for meaning, order, and rationality, and the universe’s apparent meaninglessness, chaos, and silence. Albert Camus, often associated with existentialism’s themes though he preferred the label of “philosopher of the absurd,” explored this intensely. How do we live in the face of this fundamental lack of cosmic purpose?
Facing the absurd, the anguish of freedom, and the burden of responsibility leads to the concept of authenticity. Living authentically means confronting these realities head-on, acknowledging our freedom, and making choices that align with our self-created values, rather than succumbing to external pressures, societal norms, or self-deception (“bad faith”). It’s about owning our existence, even when it’s difficult or uncomfortable.
While existentialism is often associated with atheism (particularly in figures like Sartre and Camus), its roots trace back to 19th-century thinkers like Søren Kierkegaard, who explored the subjective nature of faith and the individual’s relationship with God. Friedrich Nietzsche’s proclamation of the “death of God” also deeply influenced subsequent existential thought, highlighting the loss of traditional moral and metaphysical anchors.
Later figures like Simone de Beauvoir expanded existentialist themes, particularly in “The Second Sex,” applying the concept of “existence precedes essence” to critique societal constructs of gender, arguing that “One is not born, but rather becomes, a woman.”
Existentialism isn’t a philosophy of despair, although it acknowledges the often grim realities of the human condition, including finitude and death. Instead, it is a powerful call to action. It challenges us to:
Create our own meaning: Since meaning isn’t given, we must forge it through our commitments and projects.
Embrace our freedom: Recognise the vast scope of our choices, even in difficult circumstances.
Accept responsibility: Own the consequences of our actions and the kind of person we become.
Live authentically: Confront reality without self-deception and make choices true to ourselves.
In a world that often feels overwhelming and uncertain, the core questions posed by existentialism remain profoundly relevant. It forces us to look inward, confront our fundamental aloneness, and actively engage in the lifelong project of becoming who we are. It is a philosophy that demands courage – the courage to be free, the courage to be responsible, and the courage to create meaning in a world that offers none ready-made.
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