What Is Existentialism? (Penguin Great Ideas)

1. Existentialism is a philosophy that emphasizes individual existence, freedom, and choice

Existentialism is first of all a philosophy, analogous in many aspects to classical philosophies and discussed in places as austere and respectable as the French Society of Philosophy [La société française de philosophie], for example.

Defining existentialism. Existentialism is a philosophical movement that emerged in the 20th century, focusing on individual human existence. It emphasizes personal responsibility, freedom of choice, and the unique experiences of each person. Unlike other philosophies that may seek universal truths or objective realities, existentialism asserts that individuals are solely responsible for giving meaning to their lives.

Key concepts:

• Existence precedes essence: We are born without a predetermined nature and must create our own meaning
• Freedom and responsibility: We are condemned to be free and must take full responsibility for our choices
• Authenticity: Living in accordance with one's true self, rather than conforming to societal expectations
• Absurdity: The conflict between our desire for meaning and the apparent meaninglessness of the universe

2. Humanity is defined by its transcendence and constant surpassing of itself

Man is transcendence; he is always somewhere else. There exists no privileged spot in the world about which he can safely say, 'This is me.' He is constitutively oriented toward something other than himself.

Human nature as transcendence. Existentialists view human beings as constantly in a state of becoming, never fully defined or complete. This perpetual state of transcendence means that we are always projecting ourselves into the future, surpassing our current state of being. We are not fixed entities but rather a series of choices and actions that continually shape who we are.

Implications of transcendence:

• Rejection of essentialism: There is no fixed human nature or predetermined essence
• Emphasis on possibility: Humans are always capable of change and self-creation
• Critique of determinism: Our actions are not predetermined by external factors
• Responsibility for self-creation: We must actively engage in shaping our own existence

3. Our actions create meaning in an otherwise absurd world

A man plants, builds, conquers; he wants, he loves: there is always an 'after that?' It could be that from moment to moment he throws himself into new undertakings with an ardour that is always new, like Don Juan deserting one woman only to seduce another.

Creating meaning through action. In the face of an inherently meaningless universe, existentialists argue that we must create our own meaning through our choices and actions. This perspective rejects the idea of inherent purpose or predetermined meaning in life, instead emphasizing the individual's role in constructing personal significance.

Ways to create meaning:

• Engagement with projects and goals
• Forming relationships and connections with others
• Pursuing personal passions and interests
• Embracing creativity and self-expression
• Committing to causes larger than oneself

4. We are responsible for our choices and their consequences

We are therefore surrounded by forbidden wealth, and we often get irritated with these limits. We would like the entire world to become ours; we covet the goods of others.

Radical responsibility. Existentialism posits that individuals are entirely responsible for their choices and actions, as well as the consequences that follow. This concept of radical responsibility can be both liberating and terrifying, as it places the burden of our existence squarely on our own shoulders.

Implications of responsibility:

• No excuses: We cannot blame external factors for our decisions
• Anxiety and anguish: The weight of responsibility can lead to existential dread
• Freedom as a burden: The necessity of constant choice can be overwhelming
• Ethical considerations: Our choices affect not only ourselves but others as well

5. The importance of authenticity and living in "good faith"

If we really cared about ourselves, we would refuse to let ourselves be loved or admired for 'the wrong reasons', that is to say, through goods that are not our own.

Authenticity as a core value. Existentialists emphasize the importance of living authentically, which means being true to oneself and one's values rather than conforming to societal expectations or hiding behind false personas. This concept is closely tied to the idea of living in "good faith," which involves acknowledging one's freedom and responsibility.

Characteristics of authentic living:

• Self-awareness: Understanding one's true desires and motivations
• Honesty: Being truthful with oneself and others
• Courage: Facing the anxiety of freedom and making difficult choices
• Rejection of bad faith: Avoiding self-deception and embracing one's freedom
• Integrity: Aligning one's actions with one's values and beliefs

6. The inherent conflict between individual freedom and social responsibility

We must therefore strive to create for men situations such that they can accompany and surpass my transcendence. I need their freedom to be available to use and conserve me in surpassing me.

Balancing freedom and responsibility. Existentialism grapples with the tension between individual freedom and social responsibility. While emphasizing personal autonomy, existentialists also recognize the importance of our relationships with others and our impact on society as a whole.

Navigating the conflict:

• Recognizing our interconnectedness with others
• Balancing personal desires with social obligations
• Engaging in ethical decision-making that considers broader impacts
• Embracing solidarity while maintaining individual authenticity
• Seeking ways to contribute positively to society without sacrificing personal freedom

7. The role of others in shaping our existence and self-understanding

My being enters into communication with others only through those objects in which it is engaged. I must resign myself to never being entirely saved.

Intersubjectivity and the Other. Existentialism emphasizes the importance of our relationships with others in shaping our self-understanding and existence. While we are ultimately responsible for our own choices, our interactions with others play a crucial role in how we perceive ourselves and the world around us.

Aspects of intersubjectivity:

• The gaze of the Other: How we are perceived by others affects our self-perception
• Conflict and cooperation: Our relationships involve both struggle and mutual support
• Language and communication: Our interactions with others shape our understanding of reality
• Social roles and expectations: We must navigate societal norms while maintaining authenticity
• Recognition and validation: Our sense of self is influenced by how others respond to us

8. The futility of seeking absolute justification or validation from others

We cannot, therefore, be satisfied with a simple verbal approval; only the conceited man is content with that because he is only looking for the hollow appearance of being.

Rejecting external validation. Existentialism warns against the pursuit of absolute justification or validation from others, arguing that such efforts are ultimately futile and can lead to inauthentic living. Instead, individuals must find meaning and purpose within themselves, while recognizing the inherent uncertainty of existence.

Reasons to avoid seeking external validation:

• Impossibility of complete understanding by others
• The changing nature of others' opinions and judgments
• The risk of conforming to others' expectations rather than being true to oneself
• The potential for disappointment and loss of self-worth
• The importance of self-acceptance and self-validation

9. The necessity of engagement with the world and other people

To be free is to throw oneself into the world without weighing the consequences or stakes; it is to define any stake or any step oneself.

Active engagement as freedom. Existentialism emphasizes the importance of actively engaging with the world and other people, rather than retreating into isolation or passivity. This engagement is seen as a fundamental aspect of exercising our freedom and creating meaning in our lives.

Forms of engagement:

• Taking action and making choices
• Forming relationships and connections with others
• Participating in social and political activities
• Pursuing education and personal growth
• Creating art, literature, or other forms of self-expression

10. The paradox of human finitude and infinite possibilities

Man's finiteness is therefore not endured [subie]; it is desired. Here, death does not have that importance with which it has often been endowed. It is not because man dies that he is finite.

Embracing finitude. Existentialism grapples with the paradox of human existence: we are finite beings with limited time and resources, yet we are faced with infinite possibilities for how to live our lives. This tension between our limitations and our potential is a central theme in existentialist thought.

Implications of finitude and possibility:

• The importance of making meaningful choices within our limitations
• The recognition of death as a defining aspect of human existence
• The rejection of determinism in favor of radical freedom
• The need to create personal meaning in the face of cosmic insignificance
• The embrace of uncertainty and the unknown as inherent to the human condition

Last updated: August 10, 2024