Existentialism has rather gone out of fashion now, but I wonder if we adhere enough to its principles. In essence I interpret existentialism as being about the journey rather than the goal, but it's so hard to live that way. It seems to be totally contrary to the western mindset.
Is this something that appeals to you, or do you follow this ideal?
It must be very life-affirming if you can acheive it.
ps: I have heard of Christian Existentialism, which seems totally contradictory, don't you think??
2007-03-25 00:45:06 · 15 answers · asked by sallybowles 4 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
Thanks, Jimbobarino. I have already read 'The Stranger'. I actually read it in French (how pretentious am I??)
Wizebloke, stop being such a smart-****.
2007-03-25 02:40:39 · update #1
Yes, I would consider myself an existentialist.
I haven't heard about Christian Existentialism, but by the name alone, I wouldn't think it contradictory. If man were made in the image and likeness of God, then the more fully he becomes himself, the more of God he would reflect through his personhood. In that case, the responsibility of man for his own meaning and actions would be a responsibility to live up to being the image of God on earth.
2007-03-25 00:56:53 · answer #1 · answered by Katrina 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
To a certain degree from what I remembered when I studied it. When I took Abnormal Psychology in college, my final was an essay question which I never forgot. Describe existentialism from a humanistic behavioral point of view. I forgot my answer in detail but I do remember the reactions from my classmates. But anyway getting back to your question, I believe that even though we can all experience the same thing, meaning everything is the same, the outcome for everyone is different. And yes, I believe Christian Existentialism is totally contradictory.
2007-03-25 00:59:54 · answer #2 · answered by meganzopf 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am definitely not an existentialist. I think that life has eternal or everlasting meaning. The human being is not a "useless passion" nor are we on a boat headed nowhere. Sartre and Heidegger (who did not want to be identified as an existentialist) were both wrong. So was Camus, even though he had some genuine insights.
2007-03-25 02:13:20 · answer #3 · answered by sokrates 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As a Buddhist, I'm concerned with the state of our existence this very moment, so to a degree it is about the journey and not some end game. It's how we live rather than what can you buy. Stuff is impermanent.
And yes, it's great. I would never want to go back to the world of man, chase your little dreams without me. I dwell in heaven right this moment. There is nothing on earth or the heavens I want.
2007-03-25 00:59:30 · answer #4 · answered by guy o 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hi
i completely agreed with you as it is a journey rather then a goal. and it is so hard to follow that track of life.
i also want to implicate a simple example, that you are in love with someone and he or she got married to someone else.
Do you consider yourself a loser or not be capable of that person?
or would you move on?
or the best one that you always have an open mind that if you cant marry that person but you will still love her. does this not feel a journey rather then a goal?
have a lovely day and please keep posting these sort of questions as i am basic learner of philosophy.
2007-03-25 07:16:57 · answer #5 · answered by irfan mir 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Read "the stranger" by Albert camus. It is the classic novel on existentialism. This will highlight the pros and cons of existentialism,then you can make up your own mind.
2007-03-25 00:56:40 · answer #6 · answered by Jimbobarino 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You last sentence is interesting. Christ kind of told his followers that each day had it own sufficiency of evil and to take it one day at a time. That is somewhat in line with what you mentioned.
Of course, his disciples kept the goal firmly in front of their mind's / heart's eye. That is a must to be able to reach the goal.
So, is there some word covering both concepts in one?
2007-03-25 01:19:46 · answer #7 · answered by Fuzzy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
WHY is this question here?
WHAT PURPOSE does it fulfill?
Do other questions have reasons for being here or are they just very smart accidents of feral keyboards?
... er, sorry, I shouldh have answered if I was an existentialist or not ... but if I wasn't an existentialist, what would I be?
... and would I have a greater purpose than now?
by the way, what's an existentialist?
2007-03-25 02:15:58 · answer #8 · answered by wizebloke 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Definitely NOT out of fashion. They way we lead our lives as individuals can have a profound effect on society. If every man thought of himself as a mentor and we all pooled together to advise, nurture and support children we may not be in the same toilet our country (UK) has become. Avarice and selfishness now best describe this nation.
xxR
2007-03-25 01:12:19 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Most definitely. i don't believe we have a purpose here, is we did, why would so many of us begin wars, kill, maim, make others suffer if we were wanting to acheive a higher goal?
Christian exestentialism seems like an oxymoron to me!
2007-03-25 00:52:50 · answer #10 · answered by votehowardout 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋