What exactly is the difference between the two?
2007-02-06 08:39:21 · 10 answers · asked by Smokey 2 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
these are opposing philosophies in the sense of being; the existential mind seeks to form the individual concept of self through the real, tangible world of experience and self-actualization. the nihilist mind challenges the core validity of tangible existence, identifying the concept of self through esoteric and deconstructive means.
the existentialist would look at his hand and marvel at its ability to hold and caress and flex, seeing therein a tool for cultivating the world around him. the nihilist would cut off his hand at the wrist and challenge his arm to function without it.
2007-02-06 08:52:21 · answer #1 · answered by Super G 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Existentialists have beliefs, they ask questions that pertain to the relevance of life, what is the point of all this? What does it mean to be human? They seek for significance in the human condition.
Nihilists are more against the meaning of anything once its defined. The difference can sometimes seem subtle, but its actually quite big.
2007-02-06 08:49:53 · answer #2 · answered by Hans B 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nihilism is a branch of Existentialism. So, yes, you can be a Nihilist and Existentialist. Not every Existentialist is a Nihilist. But every Nihilist is an Existentialist.
2007-02-06 09:42:15 · answer #3 · answered by Anpadh 6 · 0⤊ 3⤋
Nihilism : 1. An extreme form of skepticism that denies all existence.
2. A doctrine holding that all values are baseless and that nothing can be known or communicated.
Existensialism: a chiefly 20th century philosophical movement embracing diverse doctrines but centering on analysis of individual existence in an unfathomable universe and the plight of the individual who must assume ultimate responsibility for acts of free will without any certain knowledge of what is right or wrong or good or bad
There is no way to be both...they are polar opposites.
2007-02-06 08:44:35 · answer #4 · answered by aidan402 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You can be whatever you want - if that is to existientialate and further speculate the truths of your observations within the "void" of reality, then perhaps your are tempting the konundrum of your own beliefs as nihilstic. If you are merely exploring the fascinating possibility of hyperspatial dimensions and quantum-physical probability within your own self-conscious reckoning as the coming and going of environmental stimuli, then you are perhaps more existientialistic than nihilistic :-P
2007-02-06 12:06:32 · answer #5 · answered by _Third_Eye_ 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are an existentialist, then you believe in everything, but perhaps nothing in particular. If you are a nihilist, then you believe in nothing at all. I say go for it (whatever your "it" is).
Read "Even Cowgirls Get the Blues" by Tom Robbins. This should clear things up for you.
2007-02-06 08:43:08 · answer #6 · answered by badkitty1969 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
only in theory, only in theory
in life can you find true love and be part of your society
can you become a leader of existentialist or nihilist thought
can you apply it
2007-02-06 08:45:03 · answer #7 · answered by Dimitris C. Milionis - Athens GR 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes and no.
The difference between the two is philosophical.
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2007-02-06 08:43:07 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Hey. Watch your language, willya?!
2007-02-06 08:46:14 · answer #9 · answered by vanamont7 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The real test is whether you sleep in the nude or wear pjs.
2016-05-24 00:37:30 · answer #10 · answered by Clararose 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋