Faqs About Existentialiam

Discussion in 'Existentialism' started by Meagain, Mar 28, 2005.

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  1. MeAgain

    MeAgain Dazed & Confused Lifetime Supporter Super Moderator

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    What is Existentialism?
    In general, existentialism emphasizes the uniqueness and isolation of individual experience in a hostile or indifferent universe while denying any special or unique essence that humans might have. Human existence is considered ultimately unexplainable, but existentialism also stresses freedom of choice and responsibility for the consequences of one's acts.

    Who are the founders of Existentialism?
    The French philosopher Gabriel Marcel first used the term existentialism after World War II, however the Danish philosopher Soren Kierkegaard is the first person for whose system of thought the word properly applies.

    Who are some other Existentialists?
    Friedrich Nitezsche, Martin Hiedegger, Jean Paul Sartre, Albert Camus, Martin Buber, can all be called existentialists.

    Are Existentialist atheists?
    Not necessarily, Kierkegaard and Marcel, believe in the importance of religious faith, Sartre and Nietzsche are atheistic. Both religious and non-religious thought can be contained inexistentialist thought.

    How does Existentialism view man's place in the world?
    Existentialism does not provide definitions and guidelines to which thinkers must ascribe.

    Is Existentialism a philosophy?
    Existentialism is a trend of philosophical themes rather than a system of philosophy. It is generally opposed to philosophical theories. For existentialists, there is no single theory that can contain the whole of the experience of human life.

    How old is Existentialism?
    The existential movement started in the mid twentieth century.

    What are some things that Existentialism subscribes to?
    A life is good if the person involved is conscious of the choices one makes, takes responsibility for those choices, and understands that nothing in the world is fixed and given. The choices you make in your life are what makes you what you are, how you live your life is who you are.

    What are some things that Existentialism does not subscribe to?
    Existentialism doesn’t believe that the "good life" is a arrived at by things like wealth, power, pleasure, or even happiness (a happy person might be living a bad life while an unhappy person might be living a good life). Existentialism does not think that science can make everything in life better. They judge the value of any science or technology by how it might affect a person's ability to live a good life. Existentialist reject the idea that there is any absolute human nature and so there is not any idea of naturally good or evil people.

    What are the major characteristics of Existentialism?
    Existentialists are concerned with how to live one’s life, they believe there are questions such as death, the meaning of human existence, the place of God, the meaning of value, interpersonal relationships, and the place of conscious knowledge of one's self. They believe that life is difficult and that it doesn't have a universally known value. Choices and values should be acted on, not talked about. Free will is an absolutely obvious conclusion of all human decisions.




    These questions are offered as a simple introduction to the Existentialism.
    They are presented as an opportunity for further exploration and understanding. No claim is made as to their accuracy or validity.

     
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