What Is Are the Main Concerns of Existentialism?

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Diego Sanchez

Existentialism is a philosophical movement that emphasizes individual experience and freedom. It is concerned with the fundamental questions of human existence, such as the meaning of life and the purpose of our existence. The main concerns of existentialism are centered around four key themes: freedom, choice, authenticity, and absurdity.

Freedom

One of the primary concerns of existentialism is freedom. According to this philosophy, every person has the freedom to make their own choices and determine their own destiny. This means that each individual is responsible for their own life, and they must take ownership of their actions and decisions.

Existentialists believe that:

  • Freedom is not just the ability to do what we want; it’s also the responsibility to make choices that align with our values.
  • We are not predetermined or predestined to be a certain way; we have the power to shape our own lives.
  • Our choices define us as individuals and give meaning to our lives.

Choice

Existentialism also emphasizes the importance of choice in human existence. Every person has the power to choose how they want to live their life, and these choices have consequences. We must be willing to accept responsibility for these consequences if we want to live an authentic life.

Accordingly:

  • We are not just products of our environment or circumstances; we can transcend them through our choices.
  • The choices we make can lead us towards fulfillment or despair.
  • The fear and anxiety associated with making choices are part of what makes us human.

Authenticity

Authenticity plays a crucial role in existentialism. Being true to oneself means being honest about one’s desires, emotions, and values. It also means taking responsibility for one’s actions and living in a way that aligns with these values.

Existentialists believe that:

  • We should strive to be true to ourselves and live an authentic life.
  • Authenticity requires us to be honest about our values and beliefs.
  • We must take responsibility for our actions, even if they lead to negative consequences.

Absurdity

Finally, existentialism is concerned with the absurdity of human existence. According to this philosophy, life has no inherent meaning or purpose. We are born into an indifferent universe and must find our own meaning in life.

Existentialists argue that:

  • The search for meaning is a fundamental aspect of human existence.
  • We must create our own meaning in life through our choices and actions.
  • The absurdity of human existence can lead to feelings of anxiety and despair, but it can also inspire creativity and innovation.

In conclusion, existentialism is a philosophical movement that emphasizes individual experience, freedom, choice, authenticity, and absurdity. These themes are interconnected and shape how we understand ourselves and the world around us. By embracing these concepts, we can live more meaningful lives that are true to who we are.