arguements supporting these theories
2007-10-20 05:28:43 · 4 answers · asked by chloe 1 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
Arguements supporting these theories?
2007-10-20 05:58:58 · update #1
It's a difficult philosophy to mount an argument against. This is its greatest strength.
As far as the main content of the philosophy itself, it's not very inspirational or worthwhile.
2007-10-28 04:56:58 · answer #1 · answered by M O R P H E U S 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Two everyday experiences that existentialists focus on that are central to their philosophy and that they use to support it are angst and alienation.
Alienation is the feeling that we as humans are different and separate from the rest of the universe. The rest of the universe is matter with no purpose or choice that operates according to physical laws and is indifferent to the fate of humans. As humans we have the capacity to make choices and care about the outcome of those choices. According to existentialists, there is no fixed human nature or essence.
Angst is the feeling of anxiety that comes with realizing that we can make choices and that we alone are responsible for those choices and there is no way blame them on factors beyond our control.
It is important to realize though that there are many different versions of existentialism including religious and atheistic versions. Although they share certain concepts, there is a wide range of philosophers who could be called existentialist.
Jean Paul Sartre was probably the most widely known existentialist who published hundreds of books of philosophy and literature and because of that most people associate existentialism with his ideas, such as atheism.
If you are looking a very good introductory book to all the various strains of existentialism, I recommend Irrational Man by William Barrett.
2007-10-20 20:37:34 · answer #2 · answered by ? 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Other than the idea that we are responsible for the choices we make that shape how well or how poorly we experience the mystery of our conscious life in an otherwise purposeless universe, I find the metaphysics of nihilistic existentialisms incomplete and rationally unappealing.
2007-10-20 12:52:10 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am sorry that I am not going to support it.
Existentialism is a negative movement within Philosophy, but it is not a Philosophy. It gives priority to existing individuals, and individual concreteness. It says that 'existence preceeds essence' contrary to Descartes dictum, i think, there fore I exist. It is an iindivdualistic, one sided, self centred, egoistic thinking, which caches younger minds fast, through its negative powers.
2007-10-20 12:33:58 · answer #4 · answered by Dr. Girishkumar TS 6 · 0⤊ 4⤋