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Existentialism, a philosophical movement that scrutinizes human existence, emerged in the 19th and 20th centuries, challenging prevailing beliefs, particularly those from the Romantic period. This essay explores existentialism through the lenses of three influential philosophers—Soren Kierkegaard, Friedrich Nietzsche, and Jean-Paul Sartre. Their distinct perspectives on life, morality, religion, and free will reflect the diverse nature of existentialist thought.
Existentialism, rooted in an attitude of confusion and a perception of a seemingly meaningless world, found resonance in the aftermath of events like World War II.
The belief that if a benevolent god existed, such destruction would not occur fueled existential ponderings. This era prompted various existentialist philosophers to explore whether life possessed inherent meaning or operated randomly and beyond human control.
As the existentialists grappled with the aftermath of World War II, a sense of disillusionment and questioning pervaded their philosophical inquiries. The devastation wrought by the war led them to confront the apparent incongruities between a benevolent deity and the harsh realities of human suffering.
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The existential attitude towards the world was marked by a profound sense of confusion and a growing belief in the potential meaninglessness of existence.
Soren Kierkegaard, often hailed as the "father of existentialism," laid the foundation for this philosophical approach in the 19th century. His ideas, deeply rooted in his views on the Danish Church, introduced the concept of the "leap of faith." Kierkegaard applied this term to both belief in God and in love, highlighting the necessity of faith in matters that defy empirical proof.
For Kierkegaard, the leap of faith was a central tenet in navigating the uncertainties of life.
Whether in matters of religious conviction or matters of the heart, Kierkegaard posited that certain aspects of existence required a leap beyond rational understanding. This emphasis on the subjective experience of faith underscored Kierkegaard's belief in the individual's journey towards understanding their relationship with the divine and their fellow humans.
Self-introspection and subjective relations were also paramount in Kierkegaard's philosophy, especially within groups sharing similar beliefs. Kierkegaard's focus on moral and religious issues contributed significantly to the development of existentialism. His thoughts paved the way for a new perspective on life, challenging established norms and encouraging a subjective approach to existential questions.
Friedrich Nietzsche, another 19th-century philosopher, offered existential views that diverged from Kierkegaard's. Nietzsche questioned Christianity and traditional morality, advocating for a reevaluation of values. His ideas, although not widely recognized during his lifetime, gained prominence in the decades following World War II, especially after numerous translations of his works.
Nietzsche's perspective on morality, grounded in Homeric ideals, valued concepts such as wealth, strength, health, and power over traditional virtues like charity and pity. His proclamation that "God is dead" reflected a belief that traditional religious structures had lost their relevance. While interpretations of Nietzsche's atheism vary, it is clear that his existential views contributed to a sense of nihilism—where life seemed devoid of intrinsic meaning.
Nietzsche's ideas on morality challenged the established norms of his time, rejecting conventional notions of good and evil. Instead, he proposed a reevaluation of values based on qualities such as strength and power. His assertion that "God is dead" signaled a shift away from traditional religious frameworks, emphasizing the need for new perspectives on morality and existence.
Jean-Paul Sartre, a renowned figure in 20th-century existentialism, was a novelist, philosopher, and an active participant in existentialist discourse. Sartre's early interest in philosophy transformed after his involvement in World War II, leading him to dedicate much of his life to contemplating existential ideas, free will, and communism.
Sartre delved into consciousness, asserting that reflective consciousness or self-knowledge inevitably fails. He proposed that humans, in their attempts to make sense of the world, ultimately validate their own existence. His exploration of free will took an unconventional turn by challenging the idea that a creator had a predetermined plan.
Sartre's existentialism, rooted in atheism, posited that the absence of a plan necessitated human free will and agency. According to Sartre, the concept of a predetermined plan undermined the very essence of human freedom. This unique perspective on free will contributed to the evolution of existential thought in the 20th century.
Existentialism, as illustrated by Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, and Sartre, reveals a rich tapestry of diverse and sometimes contrasting viewpoints. Each philosopher brings a unique perspective to existential questions, showcasing the subjective nature of these philosophical inquiries. The absence of a singular "right" answer highlights the subjectivity embedded in existential beliefs.
The diversity within existentialism allows for a nuanced exploration of the human experience. While Kierkegaard emphasized the importance of faith and subjective relations, Nietzsche challenged traditional morality, and Sartre questioned the very nature of human freedom. These varied viewpoints collectively contribute to the mosaic of existentialist thought.
Throughout history, diverse beliefs about the world, life, politics, and religion have shaped human thought. Existentialism, exemplified by Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, and Sartre, exemplifies how one philosophical idea can be approached in various ways. The complex tapestry of ideas and theories within philosophy and religion underscores their diversity, subjectivity, and the variation between individual perspectives.
It is crucial to acknowledge that in the realm of philosophers, including Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, and Sartre, there is no definitive right or wrong answer. Each philosopher presents valid points, fostering critical thinking in future generations. Every individual is entitled to their beliefs about the purpose of life, and existential views, inherently personal, shape how one approaches and lives their life.
Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, and Sartre's Impact on Existentialism. (2016, Nov 07). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/what-is-existentialism-essay
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