What exactly is existentialism?

Question

i've been looking online at definitions and stuff but i thought it would be more valuable if i heard what other people perceive it to be. how would you explain existentialism to someone who knows nothing about it (me)? lol.

any input is greatly appreciated :)

Answer 1

First of all, it bears mention that there isn't really ONE 'existentialism'. There are many people who are considered existentialist (often they don't consider themselves to be), and they disagree on many things. But obviously if there is some criteria that others use to put someone in this category, it must have some overarching characteristics. I think that there are mainly two:

The first has to do with the universe. An existentialist believes the universe to be inherently meaningless. There is no purpose, and often no order to the things that go on, and searching for these things is considered to be a completely pointless endeavor.

This is not to say that order and meaning cannot be created, but rather that they are not intrinsically there. If you want order or meaning you have to MAKE it. Most so-called existentialists consider this to be no small task.

The second major characteristic lies next to the first, which is that reason is not necessarily supreme. If the universe is chaotic, then perhaps being reasonable is an unreasonable thing to do (which is also why some completely reject most philosophical work). Existentialists tend to stress other things instead. Nietzsche, for example, emphasized a WILL to power, one which could be seen by others as barbaric and horrible. Others concentrate on being yourself, or heeding your senses as one of the few inputs you have on what's going on around you.

Desperation is sometimes associated with existentialism, and perhaps not without reason. If you believe that the universe is almost working against you and that you have almost nothing to work with, it can be difficult to maintain a rosy disposition. Yet existentialists too sometimes claim to feel a glory and see a beauty that others are blinded too because they are duped by the other false ideas they wrap around them.

Answer 2

It is the theory of existence or nonexistence (nothingness). A group of philosopher PhDs wrote books on the topic during the early to mid twentieth century. Many of them actually turned it into a career by teaching it. It is not as popular today because it is considered the elaboration of the obvious and a waste of academic time. Yet, you have to admire those who scammed a career out of it.

Addition: These are for the most part outstanding answers. Could existentialism be on the comeback. When is the last time anyone heard of a class focusing only on existentialism. They were common as far back as the sixties.

Answer 3

Existentialism focuses on the characteristics of humanism. It researches the concept that the "self" is autonomous, alleviating the "right and wrong" labels of actions established by societies. To remain true to the self is the only stipulation.

It is also similar to the concept of solipsism, which states that the only proveable and definite object in existance is the "self." Nothing else is real.

Answer 4

Existentialism is a focus on your individual perception of the world. Existentialists argue about existentialism cause they all have different perceptions of the matter. :)
Basically your view constitutes your universe.

Answer 5

Lenore has a great answer. I would only add that exitentialists think that people create their own reality by their actions and are answerable to themselves for the outcome.

Answer 6

Read Nausea.
Too me, it's caring about what that obsessive, insecure, frustrated egotistic "monkey mind" has to say and thinking that he knows more than your conscious mind, and learning from it. If you try to learn from it instead of telling it what to think, it will destroy you... as it does to the guy in "Nausea".

Answer 7

existentialism isn't "exactly" anything...if it were that specific there would be nothing to discuss. what fun would that be? :)