(855) 4-ESSAYS

Type a new keyword(s) and press Enter to search

Existentialism

            
            
             Existentialism is defined in the dictionary as a philosophical theory emphasizing the existence of the individual as a free and self-determining agent. John Paul Sarte says there are two types of existentialists, there are the Christians and the existential atheists, obviously their difference is that one group believes in God and the other does not. Sarte says that they do have something in common and that is simply the fact that they believe that existence comes before essence. Sarte classified himself as an existential atheist and thus believes there is no God. Sarte argues that there is at least one being which exists before it can be defined by any conception of it and that being is man. He believes in the human reality and that man simply is, and he is what he wills. He makes his first principle of existentialism the statement that: Man is nothing else but that which he makes of himself. .
             I would say that Sarte's idea of freedom comes in his philosophy of existentialism. Sarte would say that as humans we are constantly trying to define ourselves, and through this process we are free to choose what we will in order to reach that definition. So, I would say that Sarte's ideas of freedom lies in our ability as humans to make choices. Sarte believes this to be very important. Toward the end of his essay he says that man chooses himself, but that in choosing for himself he chooses for all men. He says then that our responsibility is much greater than supposed, for it concerns mankind as a whole. .
             My own definition of freedom is somewhat similar to that of Sarte's. I defined freedom as an idea that differs from individual to individual. That one individual may believe freedom is the ability to make choices in the things they do, and another individual may believe that freedom is having no limits and no restrictions. Either way both individuals feel "free" and will defend their freedom no matter what.


Essays Related to Existentialism

1. Existentialism

The actual term "existentialism" came from Jean Paul Sartre, a French philosopher. ... It becomes very clear through the definitions that existentialism focuses on two things, the individual and choice. ... 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....

  • Word Count: 272
  • Approx Pages: 1
  • Grade Level: Undergraduate

2. Existentialism

Today we can see the basic themes of Existentialism through the writings of Jean-Paul Sarte, Simone De Beauvoir and Albeert Camus. Existentialism is the philosophy that focuses on the individual person, usually stressing choice, freedom, and the problems of existence. ... The philosophers of existentialism say as human beings we can decide how we will live, because it is up to us to make things happen. ... Desecrates ideas bring us back to existentialism because of the fact theses powers of the mind have to do with the individual. ... which comes along with existentialism....

  • Word Count: 323
  • Approx Pages: 1
  • Grade Level: High School

3. Existentialism

Existentialism Existentialism is a philosophical movement that focuses on self-existence. A main idea of existentialism is that people believe that they live in a comprehensible, connected, and predictable universe, however the universe is in actuality irrational, disconnected and predictable. ... From the various works read this year, existentialism was found. ... When Meursault shot the Arab and his actions following helped me understand existentialism more. ...

  • Word Count: 401
  • Approx Pages: 2
  • Grade Level: High School

4. Existentialism

Existentialism Existentialism is philosophical movement emphasizing on freedom, individual existence and choice that influenced many writers in the 19th and 20th centuries. ... • Absurdity- We arrive from nothingness thus we have no purpose, therefore it is absurd to search for meaning in the midst of vast nothingness • Angst and Anxiety- The dread of the nothingness of human existence and the realization that it's all meaningless, because there's no ultimate justification for the choices we inevitably make • Death- It's always there, the thought of i...

  • Word Count: 405
  • Approx Pages: 2

5. Grendel and Existentialism

This proves the character of Grendel is really a representation of existentialism. Existentialism was born from common religion. ... The fifth theme of existentialism is death. ... The final existentialism theme is that of alienation. ... Grendel incorporates all the existentialism themes within himself. ...

  • Word Count: 752
  • Approx Pages: 3
  • Grade Level: High School

6. Historic Roots Of Existentialism

Although the theories in existentialism were present before the 1990's, existentialism was at its peak during the 20th century. Three major events of the 20th century explain the reason for existentialism's popularity. ... Therefore, because of the violent nature of World War I, existentialism became more popular. World War II also boosted the popularity of existentialism. ... After World War II, the Cold War emerged; it too popularized the theory of existentialism. ...

  • Word Count: 746
  • Approx Pages: 3

7. Humanism as Existentialism

With this quote taken from his essay "Humanism as Existentialism", 20th century French philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre has been able to identify major ideas and concepts and reinforce those issues he has set forth to shape the school of philosophy broadly known as "existentialism". ... Sartre's existentialism stems from this definition beginning with the basic principle that in man, and in man alone, existence precedes essence. ... The quote provided is one that encompasses the range of philosophical and religious ideologies, which underlie the concepts of existentialism, as, set out by S...

  • Word Count: 1398
  • Approx Pages: 6
  • Grade Level: High School

8. Existentialism in The Stranger

Moreover, Mersault's relationship with Marie Cordona portrays Camus's philosophy of existentialism. ... Chakraborty 3 Mersault's murder of the Arab is another example of existentialism in The Stranger. The absurdity of the murder is what makes it a good portrayal of the concept of existentialism. ... Within existentialism, choice is an important concept. ... Camus characterizes Mersault as the ultimate representation of existentialism. ...

  • Word Count: 1242
  • Approx Pages: 5
  • Grade Level: High School

9. Existentialism and Human Promotion

"Existentialism" is a subject that is very difficult to describe precisely. ... That is the responsibility previously referred to, and this is why existentialism has been called a dark and pessimistic philosophy. ... In my interpretation and contemplation of this philosophy, I believe that existentialism can be a dark philosophy. For if someone thinks they have no purpose then, according to existentialism, they have no reason to live. ... Therefore, existentialism is a very blunt philosophy. ...

  • Word Count: 925
  • Approx Pages: 4
  • Has Bibliography
  • Grade Level: High School

Got a writing question? Ask our professional writer!
Submit My Question