Exsitentialism

By Alisha Kirtley

Learning Targets

Students and teachers will be able to define the definition of Existentialism
Teachers will be able to apply Existentialism in a classroom

Essence: Who we are. Our identities.

Existence: The fact that we are alive, right now.

‘Existence precedes essence’ is Jean Paul Sartre’s famous phrase.

Jean-Paul Sartre, born in Paris in 1905, studied at the École Normale Supérieure from 1924 to 1929 and became Professor of Philosophy at Le Havre in 1931.

Content

Definition:

Existentialism is a form of philosophical inquiry that explores the problem of human existence and centers on the experience of thinking, feeling, and acting.

Existentialism in education is a teaching and learning philosophy that focuses on the student’s freedom and agency to choose their future. Thus, they encourage all students to exercise personal agency and create their own meaning for life.

Existentialism takes into consideration the underlying concepts:

Human free will
Human nature is chosen through life choices
Decisions are not without stress and consequences
There are things that are not rational
Personal responsibility and discipline is crucial

Examples of Existentialism in the classroom

Observe students working on projects that apply to their personal interests
The classroom is not as focused on core content as it is focused on guiding students to become the best possible version of themselves
No standardized testing

Conclusion

Existentialism can be used in the classroom by giving students the option of choosing their own path to their own future. This gives the students a lot of freedom.

References

Earnshaw, S. (2007). Existentialism : A guide for the perplexed : a guide for the perplexed. Bloomsbury Publishing Plc.

Blomme, R. J., & Kirsten Bornebroek-Te Lintelo. (2012). Existentialism and organizational behaviour. Journal of Organizational Change Management, 25(3), 405-421. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/09534811211228120

Questions

Which of the following is more accepted when talking about Existentialism?

A.) SAT

B.) Student survey

C.) ACT

D.) Midterm Exam

Existentialism is an?

A.) Teaching and learning philosophy

B.) A way of life

C.) A hippie method

D.) A mid-life crisis

Inspire Others

Answers 1.) B 2.) A