What Is Absurdism and Existentialism?

//

Diego Sanchez

Absurdism and existentialism are two philosophical schools of thought that share some similarities and differences. While both deal with the fundamental questions of human existence, they approach them from different standpoints. In this article, we’ll explore the definitions of absurdism and existentialism and how they relate to each other.

What is Absurdism?

Absurdism is a philosophical concept that originated in the 20th century. It is based on the idea that human beings exist in an irrational, meaningless universe, which creates a sense of disorientation, confusion, and despair.

Absurdists believe that life has no inherent meaning or purpose but instead must be created by individuals themselves. The term “absurd” refers to the idea that human beings are constantly searching for meaning in an inherently meaningless world.

Albert Camus, a French philosopher, was one of the most prominent figures associated with absurdism. He believed that the human condition is fundamentally absurd because people try to find meaning in a world that has none. According to Camus, individuals can only find happiness by accepting this absurdity and living life to its fullest.

What is Existentialism?

Existentialism is another philosophical concept that emerged in the 20th century. It focuses on individual freedom and choice and emphasizes personal responsibility for one’s actions. Existentialists believe that individuals must create their own values and meanings as they navigate through life.

One of the most famous existentialist philosophers was Jean-Paul Sartre. He argued that individuals have complete freedom to make their own choices but must also accept responsibility for those choices. According to Sartre, human beings are condemned to be free because there are no predetermined values or meanings in life.

The Relationship between Absurdism and Existentialism

While absurdism and existentialism share some similarities, they also have some fundamental differences. Both schools of thought focus on the individual and emphasize personal responsibility for one’s actions.

However, absurdism is more pessimistic in its outlook and emphasizes the sense of disorientation and confusion that individuals experience in an irrational world. Existentialism, on the other hand, is more optimistic and emphasizes the freedom that individuals have to create their own values and meanings.

In conclusion, absurdism and existentialism are two philosophical schools of thought that deal with the fundamental questions of human existence. While they share some similarities, they approach these questions from different standpoints. Absurdism emphasizes the sense of disorientation and confusion that individuals experience in an irrational world, while existentialism emphasizes the freedom that individuals have to create their own values and meanings.