Existentialism Meaning: Definition and Examples

Historical Origins

• The term became popular in the 20th century, but its roots trace back to earlier philosophers like Søren Kierkegaard and Friedrich Nietzsche.
• Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir were key figures in making existentialism known after World War II, establishing it as a major philosophical movement.
• Dostoevsky's novels often explored themes of existence, freedom, and the struggle for meaning, influencing early existentialist thought.

Literature

• Many works, such as Albert Camus’ 'The Stranger,' illustrate the absurdity of life and the search for personal meaning.
• Existential themes appear in plays, notably in Samuel Beckett’s 'Waiting for Godot,' where characters confront the meaninglessness of their situation.
• Franz Kafka’s stories explore existential angst and the alienation felt in modern society, encapsulating the spirit of this philosophical viewpoint.

Psychology

• Existential therapy helps individuals confront life’s big questions, focusing on meaning-making, personal responsibility, and the anxiety of existence.
• Researchers have found that grappling with existential themes can lead to greater life satisfaction, encouraging personal growth and self-discovery.
• The concept of existential dread describes the anxiety that arises from confronting life’s inherent meaningless and uncertainty.

Pop Culture

• Films like 'The Matrix' explore existential questions about reality and human choice, resonating with viewers on a philosophical level.
• Popular television shows such as 'Rick and Morty' often delve into existential themes, using humor to tackle serious questions about purpose and existence.
• Musical artists like Pink Floyd and Radiohead frequently weave existential reflections into their lyrics, prompting listeners to question their own realities.

Art

• Existentialist themes can be seen in the works of artists like Edvard Munch, whose painting 'The Scream' captures deep emotional turmoil and a sense of existential dread.
• Abstract expressionism, particularly in the works of Jackson Pollock, embodies the struggle for meaning through spontaneous and chaotic forms.
• The philosophical questioning inherent in existentialism has also influenced contemporary art, encouraging personal interpretation and introspection.

The term 'existentialism' is derived from the Latin word 'existentia,' which means 'existence.' The philosophy began to take shape in the 19th and 20th centuries, with roots in the works of philosophers like Søren Kierkegaard and Friedrich Nietzsche. Kierkegaard is often considered the father of existentialism, focusing on individuality and faith, whereas Nietzsche introduced ideas about the 'Übermensch' and the rejection of absolute truths. The term itself became more widely used and defined in the 20th century through the writings of figures like Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir, who articulated existential themes in literature and philosophy. They emphasized the idea that existence precedes essence, meaning individuals must navigate their own paths and create their own identities in a world devoid of inherent meaning. This philosophy has had a profound impact on literature, psychology, and contemporary thought, influencing a range of fields from theology to existential psychotherapy.

At rank #26,553, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

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• 26550 sated
• 26551 cursive
• 26552 rereading
• 26553 existentialism
• 26554 approachable
• 26555 idiosyncrasy
• 26556 isolationism
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