What Is Post Existentialism?

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Vincent White

Post-existentialism is a philosophical movement that emerged in the mid-twentieth century as a reaction to the existentialist movement. While existentialism was primarily concerned with individual freedom and choice, post-existentialism focused on how individuals are shaped by social and cultural forces.

Origins of Post-Existentialism

Post-existentialism emerged in the 1950s as a response to the limitations of existentialism. Existentialists believed that individuals were free to make choices and create their own meaning in life. However, post-existentialists argued that individuals are not completely free, but rather they are shaped by social structures and cultural norms.

One of the key thinkers associated with post-existentialism is Michel Foucault. Foucault argued that power relations were pervasive throughout society and that individuals were constantly being subjected to these power relations. He believed that knowledge was not neutral but rather it was shaped by these power relations.

The central themes of Post-Existentialism

The central themes of post-existentialism include power, knowledge, and subjectivity. Post-existentialists believe that power relations are pervasive throughout society and shape our understanding of ourselves and the world around us. They also argue that knowledge is not objective but rather it is shaped by these power relations.

Subjectivity is another important theme in post-existentialism. Post-existentialists believe that our sense of self is not fixed but rather it is constantly being constructed through our interactions with others and our environment.

The Criticisms against Post-Existentialism

Post-existentialism has been criticized for its focus on subjectivity at the expense of objective truth. Critics argue that by denying the existence of objective truth, post-existentialists undermine the possibility of meaningful political action.

Additionally, some critics have accused post-existentialists of being overly pessimistic about the possibility of social change. By emphasizing the power of social structures and cultural norms, post-existentialists can be seen as denying the possibility of individual agency and political action.

Conclusion

Post-existentialism is a philosophical movement that emerged in the mid-twentieth century as a reaction to existentialism. It is concerned with how individuals are shaped by social and cultural forces, and it emphasizes the importance of power, knowledge, and subjectivity.

While post-existentialism has been criticized for its focus on subjectivity at the expense of objective truth, it remains an important philosophical movement that has influenced a wide range of fields including sociology, anthropology, and literary theory.