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Existentialism

            
            
             Existentialism is defined in the dictionary as a philosophical theory emphasizing the existence of the individual as a free and self-determining agent. John Paul Sarte says there are two types of existentialists, there are the Christians and the existential atheists, obviously their difference is that one group believes in God and the other does not. Sarte says that they do have something in common and that is simply the fact that they believe that existence comes before essence. Sarte classified himself as an existential atheist and thus believes there is no God. Sarte argues that there is at least one being which exists before it can be defined by any conception of it and that being is man. He believes in the human reality and that man simply is, and he is what he wills. He makes his first principle of existentialism the statement that: Man is nothing else but that which he makes of himself. .
             I would say that Sarte's idea of freedom comes in his philosophy of existentialism. Sarte would say that as humans we are constantly trying to define ourselves, and through this process we are free to choose what we will in order to reach that definition. So, I would say that Sarte's ideas of freedom lies in our ability as humans to make choices. Sarte believes this to be very important. Toward the end of his essay he says that man chooses himself, but that in choosing for himself he chooses for all men. He says then that our responsibility is much greater than supposed, for it concerns mankind as a whole. .
             My own definition of freedom is somewhat similar to that of Sarte's. I defined freedom as an idea that differs from individual to individual. That one individual may believe freedom is the ability to make choices in the things they do, and another individual may believe that freedom is having no limits and no restrictions. Either way both individuals feel "free" and will defend their freedom no matter what.


Essays Related to Existentialism

1. Historic Roots Of Existentialism

... was the largely accepted theory of rational thinking that created the weapons that destroyed many lives, as a result, people??/ began to denounce the rational thought process. These people??? Turned to existentialism, which as one of its main universal themes, diminishes the importance of rationalism. Soren Kirkegaard and Nieztche both claimed that the! most important questions in life couldn't be answered through ... , member's of the German army and general population tried to claim innocence because they either didn't know or didn't have a choice, because orders came from above them. ...

  • Word Count: 746
  • Approx Pages: 3

2. Existentialism and Super Heroes

... Spider-Man is an existentialist superhero, and his philosophy has led to the downfall of his life and his loved ones. Existentialism as an ethical system focuses on one's self. Existentialism asserts that there is not always inherent good or evil in a choice, but rather a person decides for themselves what ... is good and what is bad for their belief structure. It is incorrect to say that under Existentialism there is no universal morality; being an Existentialist does not free oneself from the mores of their community and their background. Existentialist ethics ask the ... but the cons...

  • Word Count: 3090
  • Approx Pages: 12
  • Has Bibliography

3. Humanism as Existentialism

... I shall try to convey when I say that man is condemned to be free." With this quote taken from his essay "Humanism as Existentialism", 20th century French philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre has been able to identify major ideas and concepts and reinforce those issues he has set forth to ... shape the school of philosophy broadly known as "existentialism". The Webster's New World Dictionary defines existentialism as "The doctrine that existence takes precedence over essence and holding that man is totally free and responsible for his ... acts. This responsibility is the source of dread and an...

  • Word Count: 1398
  • Approx Pages: 6
  • Grade Level: High School

4. Existentialism in The Stranger

... of this concept is that one must accept the risks and responsibilities associated with the choices that he or she makes. Once a decision is made, there is no going back. Existentialism tries to illustrate one's "desire to make rational decisions despite existing in an apparently irrational universe" (Wyatt 1). In the existentialist point of view, many things are absurd or ... that he did not love his mother. As an existentialist, he accepts life and death without seeking a deeper meaning. Moreover, Mersault's relationship with Marie Cordona portrays Camus's philosophy of existentialism....

  • Word Count: 1242
  • Approx Pages: 5
  • Grade Level: High School

5. Existentialism and Human Promotion

... to one other term: "essence". The saying Jean-Paul Sartre uses is, "existence (that a thing is) precedes essence (what a thing is)", and that is the overlay of his branch of existentialism. As we've determined, existence is the process whereby something comes into being. Man defines himself (his essence) through the fact that he exists. Humans are, according to Sartre, "condemned ... a way, depending on the individual, if the individual is unhappy and can find no reason to be, then they may cease to be. They may decide to snuff it. Therefore, existentialism is a very blunt philosophy. S...

  • Word Count: 925
  • Approx Pages: 4
  • Has Bibliography
  • Grade Level: High School

6. Existentialism

... as a philosophical movement or tendency, emphasizing individual existence, freedom and choice that influence many diverse writers in the 19th and 20th centuries. The actual term "existentialism" came from Jean Paul Sartre, a French philosopher. He combined the theories of the radical individualism of Kierkegaard and Nietzsche, the metaphysics of G.W.F. Hegel and Martin Heidegger, the ... man becomes alone with only us as a guide to making the decisions that define our existence. Subjectivity, relating to existentialism, refers to the freedom to choose with or without a God, but also tha...

  • Word Count: 272
  • Approx Pages: 1
  • Grade Level: Undergraduate

7. Grendel and Existentialism

... will always come and he will never have an impact on human life. This notion of self-worthlessness is the first and most fundamental theme in existentialism. It is believed that a man is his own conscious existence, and nothing more. The second existentialist theme is that of anxiety. This is the ... believe himself to be special. He raids Hrothgars mead hall with the belief that this will have no effect on the humans. The fifth theme of existentialism is death. Nothingness, in the form of death is the final destination. Grendel believes that when he dies, his existence will die also. Th...

  • Word Count: 752
  • Approx Pages: 3
  • Grade Level: High School

8. Existentialism - Classifying Significance

... subsistence, sovereignty and preference. It is the analysis, that individuals classify their significance in life, and attempt to craft rational decisions in spite of existing in an irrational life. Existentialism focuses on the uncertainty of human existence, also the opinion that there is no purpose or justification at the heart of reality. It possesses' that, as there is no God ... or any additional inspirational power, the only way to respond to this oblivion is by accepting existence. Therefore, Existentialism thinks that people are wholeheartedly unbound and ought to take personal...

  • Word Count: 935
  • Approx Pages: 4
  • Has Bibliography

9. Existentialism In A Clean Well Lighted Place

... there is no fate. "A Clean, Well-Lighted Place" is a story about men in the philosophy of existentialism, ultimately trying to find a reason for their existence. The soldier in the story is the first example of existentialism. The soldier does not believe in a higher power and he doesn't recognize the existence of nothingness. What ... after?"(288). This experience in the end will only leave the soldier feeling more unhappy and empty inside. The young waiter is the second example of existentialism. He is aware of the nothingness of an existential life. He sees it in the soldier as well as...

  • Word Count: 1017
  • Approx Pages: 4
  • Grade Level: High School

10. Existentialism

... the writings of Jean-Paul Sarte, Simone De Beauvoir and Albeert Camus. Existentialism is the philosophy that focuses on the individual person, usually stressing choice, freedom, and the problems of existence. This thought was born in ... live. They wonder about the inner life and ask questions like "who am I?" "What does my life mean?" "Why am I afraid?" The philosophers of existentialism say as human beings we can decide how we will live, because it is up to us to make things happen. Existentialist want to address the problems people ... have about fears, anxiety, and the thought of ...

  • Word Count: 323
  • Approx Pages: 1
  • Grade Level: High School

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