AI for Breakfast

Post 161 - Word Wednesday - Existentialism

I asked ChatGPT. Here's what I got:

Understanding existentialism: a journey into individual freedom and meaning.

Existentialism is a philosophical movement that emphasises the individual's experience and the search for meaning in an indifferent or absurd universe. Emerging in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, existentialism has been shaped by the works of philosophers such as Søren Kierkegaard, Friedrich Nietzsche, Jean-Paul Sartre, and Albert Camus. At its core, existentialism explores the themes of freedom, choice, responsibility, and the inherent meaning or lack thereof in human existence.

One of the central tenets of existentialism is the concept of individual freedom. Existentialists believe that humans are free to make their own choices and that this freedom is both a blessing and a burden. This idea is closely tied to the notion of "existence precedes essence," a phrase popularised by Sartre. It means that individuals are not born with a predetermined purpose; instead, they must create their own meaning and identity through their actions and decisions.

This emphasis on personal freedom leads to the existentialist focus on authenticity. To live authentically is to acknowledge and embrace one's freedom, making choices based on genuine self-awareness rather than societal expectations or external pressures. An authentic life requires individuals to confront the realities of their existence, including the inevitability of death and the absence of inherent meaning. This confrontation can lead to what existentialists call "existential angst" or "existential dread"—a profound sense of anxiety that arises from recognising one's absolute freedom and the accompanying responsibility.

Existentialism also delves into the concept of absurdity, a term often associated with Camus. The absurd refers to the conflict between humans' desire for meaning and the silent, indifferent universe. Camus famously illustrated this idea through the myth of Sisyphus, a figure from Greek mythology condemned to push a boulder up a hill only for it to roll back down each time he neared the top. Camus argues that, like Sisyphus, individuals must find a way to live with and embrace the absurd, creating their own meaning despite the lack of inherent purpose.

Nietzsche's declaration that "God is dead" is another pivotal element in existentialist thought. This statement reflects the decline of religious and metaphysical beliefs in the modern world, leading to a sense of disorientation and nihilism. Without the guiding framework of traditional values, individuals are left to navigate their own paths and construct their own moral and ethical systems.

Existentialism's influence extends beyond philosophy into literature, art, and psychology. Writers such as Franz Kafka, Fyodor Dostoevsky, and Samuel Beckett have explored existential themes in their works, depicting characters grappling with freedom, isolation, and the search for meaning. In psychology, existentialist ideas have informed existential therapy, which focuses on helping individuals confront the fundamental issues of existence and live more authentically.

In contemporary society, existentialism remains relevant as people continue to seek purpose and navigate the complexities of modern life. The movement encourages a deep examination of one's values, choices, and the nature of existence itself. By embracing the principles of existentialism, individuals can find empowerment in their freedom and responsibility, forging a path that is uniquely their own.

In conclusion, existentialism is a rich and complex philosophical movement that challenges individuals to confront the realities of their existence and create their own meaning in an indifferent universe. Through its exploration of freedom, authenticity, absurdity, and the search for purpose, existentialism offers valuable insights into the human condition and the pursuit of a meaningful life.