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Existentialism: The Psychology and Philosophy of Existentialist Thinkers

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Existentialism: The Psychology and Philosophy of Existentialist Thinkers

by Adolph Barr

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Print length	:	50 pages
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Existentialism is a philosophical and psychological theory that emphasizes the individual's existence, freedom, and responsibility in the face of an often meaningless or absurd world. Existentialist thinkers such as Jean-Paul Sartre, Albert Camus, and Søren Kierkegaard have explored the themes of freedom, responsibility, and the search for meaning in life.

The Existentialist View of the Human Being

Existentialists believe that human beings are not simply rational creatures who are driven by their instincts or their environment. Rather, they are free beings who are responsible for their own choices and actions. This freedom can be both exhilarating and terrifying, as it means that we are ultimately responsible for our own lives.

Existentialists also believe that human beings are not born with a fixed essence or nature. Instead, they are constantly creating themselves through their choices and actions. This means that we are not simply the sum of our past experiences or our genetic makeup. Rather, we are always in the process of becoming who we are.

The Existentialist View of the World

Existentialists believe that the world is not an objective, rational place. Rather, it is a subjective, chaotic, and often absurd place. This can be a difficult reality to accept, as we often want to believe that the world is a place that makes sense. However, existentialists believe that it is important to face the absurdity of the world head-on.

Existentialists also believe that the world is not inherently meaningful. Rather, it is up to us to create meaning in our own lives. This can be a daunting task, but it is also a liberating one. It means that we have the power to shape our own lives and to make them meaningful.

The Existentialist View of Freedom and Responsibility

Existentialists believe that freedom is one of the most important aspects of human existence. However, they also believe that freedom comes with a great deal of responsibility. We are responsible for our own choices and actions, and we cannot blame others for our mistakes.

Existentialists also believe that we are responsible for creating meaning in our own lives. This is a difficult task, but it is one that we must undertake if we want to live authentic lives.

The Existentialist View of the Search for Meaning

Existentialists believe that the search for meaning is one of the most important aspects of human existence. However, they also believe that there is no one answer to the question of what life means. Instead, each individual must find their own meaning in life.

Existentialists offer a number of different ways to find meaning in life. Some existentialists believe that we can find meaning through our work, while others believe that we can find meaning through our relationships with others. Still others believe that we can find meaning through our creative pursuits.

Ultimately, the search for meaning is a personal journey. There is no one right way to find meaning in life. However, existentialists believe that it is a journey that is worth taking.

Existentialism is a complex and challenging philosophy, but it is also a rewarding one. Existentialism can help us to understand ourselves and the world around us better. It can also help us to live more authentic and meaningful lives.

Existentialism: The Psychology and Philosophy of Existentialist Thinkers

by Adolph Barr

5 out of 5