What is it?

Part of Axiology =
The study of value (a/moral)

Study of the meaning of life & the lived experiences therein

Existentialism is a philosophical movement that emphasizes individual freedom, responsibility, and the pursuit of meaning in a world devoid of intrinsic purpose.

The central tenet of most Western Analytic existentialist thought is that existence precedes essence—meaning you are not born with a pre-defined nature or destiny. Instead, you are born as a blank slate, and through your choices and actions, you create your own identity and meaning.

It's a philosophy focused on the subjective experience of the individual thinker, often exploring feelings of anxiety, dread, and the profound weight of freedom.

Love & Happiness

How to be authentically happy in a world full of suffering

How Your Brain Experiences Different Kinds of Love

Key Concepts & Thinkers

Existentialism is defined by several core ideas and is associated with a number of influential philosophers.

Existence Precedes Essence: This is the cornerstone. Unlike a knife, which is designed with a purpose (its essence) before it is created (its existence), humans exist first and must then define their own essence or purpose through their lives.
Radical Freedom & Anguish: Existentialists argue that we are "condemned to be free." Every choice we make defines who we are, creating a profound sense of responsibility, or what they call anguish (Angst), for ourselves and even for all of humanity.
The Absurd: This term, most associated with Albert Camus, describes the clash between our human desire to find meaning and the silent, indifferent universe that offers none. The challenge is to live defiantly and passionately in spite of this absurdity.
Authenticity vs. Bad Faith: The ultimate goal is to live an authentic life, true to the values you create for yourself. The opposite is bad faith, a term used by Jean-Paul Sartre to describe deceiving yourself by pretending you are not free and blaming your circumstances or "human nature" for your choices.
Key Thinkers: The movement includes influential figures like Jean-Paul Sartre, Albert Camus, Simone de Beauvoir, and Søren Kierkegaard, who is often considered the father of existentialism.

The Core Questions

Existentialism confronts the most personal and challenging questions of the human condition. Common questions include:

If there is no God or pre-defined purpose, what is the point of it all?
How can I be sure my choices are my own and not just what society expects of me?
What does it mean to be my true, authentic self?
How should I confront the reality and certainty of my own death?
If life is absurd, why shouldn't I give up?