Existentialism is defined as a philosophical movement or tendency, emphasizing individual existence, freedom and choice that influence many diverse writers in the 19th and 20th centuries. The actual term "existentialism" came from Jean Paul Sartre, a French philosopher. He combined the theories of the radical individualism of Kierkegaard and Nietzsche, the metaphysics of G.W.F. Hegel and Martin Heidegger, the phenomenology of Edmund Husserl, and the social theory of Karl Marx. One phenomenon of this theory is its creation; since the beginning, it has remained a part of contemporary thought. One explanation for this is its applicability to contemporary life and society; it focuses on the existence of man itself. According to Sartre, a true existentialist believes there is no God and thus man becomes alone with only us as a guide to making the decisions that define our existence. Subjectivity, relating to existentialism, refers to the freedom to choose with or without a God, but also that this freedom becomes a responsibility. Another definition, defines existentialism as a philosophical movement that stresses the individual position as a self determining agent responsible for his or her own choices. It becomes very clear through the definitions that existentialism focuses on two things, the individual and choice. The acceptance of responsibility for the decisions made must be a part of this practice since making choices comes with responsibility. Albert Camus, a major existentialist and absurdist, wrote The Stranger to present his views on existentialism. He believed that existentialism was "philosophical suicide," thinking that life was merely absurd. Nevertheless, existentialism is still used in many aspects of today's society, spreading ideas through literature, plays, and different movies.
