Defining Existentialism in Philosophy
Existentialism is a philosophical movement that emphasizes individual existence, freedom, and choice, asserting that humans define their own meaning in an indifferent universe. Emerging in the 19th and 20th centuries, it rejects objective truths from religion or science, focusing instead on subjective experience. Key figures like Søren Kierkegaard highlighted personal faith amid despair, while Friedrich Nietzsche proclaimed the 'death of God,' urging self-overcoming.
Core Principles of Existentialism
Central tenets include authenticity, where individuals must confront anxiety (angst) and take responsibility for their actions; the absurdity of life, as seen in Albert Camus' view of the universe's meaninglessness; and the primacy of existence over essence, meaning humans exist first and must create their essence through choices. Jean-Paul Sartre famously stated 'existence precedes essence,' underscoring radical freedom and the burden of decision-making without external guidance.
Practical Example: Sartre's 'No Exit'
In Jean-Paul Sartre's play 'No Exit' (1944), three characters are trapped in a room, realizing 'hell is other people.' This illustrates existential themes of bad faith—denying one's freedom—and the inescapability of personal responsibility. The characters' interactions reveal how they define each other through judgments, exemplifying how existential choices shape interpersonal hells, a concept that resonates in everyday conflicts over authenticity.
Influence on Modern Literature
Existentialism profoundly shapes modern literature by infusing narratives with themes of alienation, isolation, and the search for meaning. Authors like Samuel Beckett in 'Waiting for Godot' depict absurd waiting as a metaphor for futile existence, while Franz Kafka's 'The Trial' explores bureaucratic absurdity and individual helplessness. This influence extends to contemporary works, such as Haruki Murakami's surreal explorations of loneliness, encouraging readers to grapple with personal agency in a chaotic world.