INTRODUCTION TO

PHILOSOPHY,LOGIC AND
HUMAN EXISTENCE
GST 211
EXISTENTIALISM
WHAT IS EXISTENTIALISM?
According to Merriam Webster: Existentialism is a 20th-century philosophical
movement that centers on the analysis of individual existence in a boundless
universe and the plight of the individuals who must assume ultimate
responsibility for acts of free will without any certain knowledge of what is right
or wrong or good or bad.
‘’Existentialism is a philosophical theory or approach that emphasizes the
existence of the individual person as a free and responsible agent determining
their own development through acts of the will. It stresses the concreteness and
problematic character of human existence in the world’’
www.britannica.com
WHAT ARE THE MAJOR
THEMES IN
EXISTENTIALISM?
• The major themes are :
Freedom,Choice,Absurdity,Authenticity and Death.
WHAT IS FREEDOM
• In existentialism, freedom is the fundamental condition of human existence. It
signifies the ability to make choices and act upon them independently, which
defines an individual's essence and identity. This freedom comes with the burden of
responsibility for one's actions and their consequences.
• Types of Freedom
• Absolute Freedom: This is the notion that individuals have complete and
unrestricted freedom to make any choice. It implies a total absence of constraints,
whether external (like laws) or internal (like moral values).This is dangerous. Why?
Because it leads to Anarchy,lawlessless and chaos.
• Situational Freedom: This concept acknowledges that while individuals have
freedom, it is influenced by their circumstances and context. It recognizes that
choices are often made within certain limitations imposed by the environment,
society, or personal situations.
WHAT IS CHOICE?
• In existentialism, choice is the central component of human existence. It
represents the power and responsibility individuals have to define their
own lives and identities through their decisions. Every choice reflects
personal freedom and the shaping of one’s destiny.
• Types of Choices
• Existential Choices: This refers to the profound decisions that significantly
shape one's identity and existence, such as choosing a career, a life
partner, or a philosophical stance.
• Everyday Choices: This has to do with the routine decisions made daily,
like what to eat or wear. While seemingly minor, they still reflect personal
freedom and contribute to the overall tapestry of one’s life.
WHAT IS ABSURDITY?
• In existentialism, absurdity refers to the inherent conflict between humans' desire to
find meaning in life and the indifferent, chaotic nature of the universe, which offers
no inherent purpose. This realization can lead to feelings of disorientation and
confusion, but it also challenges individuals to create their own meaning in life
despite this inherent meaninglessness.
• Types of Absurdity
• Metaphysical Absurdity: This talks about the fundamental disjunction between
humans seeking meaning and a universe that lacks inherent meaning.
• Situational Absurdity: this is everyday scenarios where the search for meaning
clashes with reality, such as the monotony of repetitive tasks or the unpredictability
of life events.
• Personal Absurdity: This has to do with the internal conflict individuals face when
their desires and ambitions confront the arbitrary nature of existence.
WHAT IS AUTHENTICITY?
• Authenticity in existentialism refers to the idea of living in accordance with
one's true self and values, rather than conforming to external pressures or
societal expectations.
• It involves making choices that genuinely reflect one's own beliefs and desires,
and taking responsibility for those choices.
• Types of Authenticity
• Personal Authenticity: This involves being true to one's own beliefs, values, and
desires, rather than conforming to what others expect or demand.
• Existential Authenticity: This type of authenticity is about recognizing and
embracing the freedom and responsibility inherent in human existence. It
includes acknowledging the absurdity of life and creating personal meaning and
purpose despite it.
WHAT IS DEATH?
• In existentialism, death is a central theme that highlights the inevitable end of human
life. It forces individuals to confront their mortality, which can lead to a deeper
understanding of existence and the choices they make. The awareness of death can drive
people to live more authentically and purposefully, making the most of their finite time.
• Types of Death:
• Physical Death: The end of biological life, which is the common understanding of death. It
is the final cessation of bodily functions and the ultimate fate of all living beings.
• Psychological Death: A metaphorical death where a person experiences a profound
change or loss of identity, such as a major life transition, trauma, or significant personal
transformation. This can lead to a "rebirth" or a new way of living.
• Social Death: When an individual is marginalized or excluded from society, losing their
social identity and connections. This can happen through isolation, discrimination, or
significant changes in social status.
Continuation..
Spiritual death: this refers to the separation of the soul from God due
to sin. It is a state of being spiritually disconnected and devoid of
divine life. This condition can lead to a sense of emptiness and lack of
purpose. Redemption and reconnection with God are often sought to
overcome spiritual death.
ARGUMENTS SURROUNDING THE
THEMES
• Isolation: The focus on individualism may lead to social isolation and
detachment from communal or societal responsibilities.
• Nihilism: the emphasizing on life's inherent meaninglessness can
result in nihilism, where individuals reject all moral values and
purpose. Nihilism is a philosophical belief that life is without
objective meaning, purpose, or intrinsic value.
• Anxiety: The burden of absolute freedom and responsibility may
lead to existential anxiety and despair.
Continuation……
• Relativism: the subjective nature of existentialism can lead to moral
relativism, where there are no absolute ethical standards.’’ against
method, anything goes’’
• Lack of Structure: Critics argue that without external guidelines or
meaning, existentialism can leave individuals feeling lost and
directionless.
THE RELEVANCE OF THESE
THEMES TO
HUMANITY
• Personal Growth: Existentialism encourages individuals to take
responsibility for their actions, fostering personal growth and self-
improvement.
• Authentic Living: It promotes living authentically, allowing
individuals to be true to themselves and their values rather than
conforming to societal pressures.
• Meaning and Purpose: By confronting the inherent meaninglessness
of life, existentialism pushes individuals to create their own meaning
and purpose, leading to a more fulfilling existence.
Continues…….
• Emotional Resilience: in embracing existentialist themes, it helps
individuals build emotional resilience and intelligence, enabling
them to cope with life's uncertainties and challenges.
• Ethical Awareness: it emphasizes the importance of personal
responsibility and ethical decision-making, encouraging individuals
to act with integrity.
• Empathy and Connection: The focus on individual experiences and
the shared human condition fosters empathy and deeper
connections with others, enhancing social harmony.
Ends….
• Creativity: it fosters creative expression as a means of exploring and
asserting one's identity. One must be very assertive in life.
• Mortality: it helps to confront the reality of death and its impact on
how we live.
• Responsibility: it highlights the weight of personal responsibility in
shaping one's destiny and goal.