What is existentialism?
Q: What is existentialism?
A: Existentialism is a way of thinking that focuses on what it means for people to exist. It is a philosophical movement that deals with nihilistic problems, but is generally still a kind of anti-nihilism. It says that humans have will and consciousness, but they live in a world that does not. The premise that people must make choices about their life while knowing they are mortal is what existentialism is all about.
Q: Who started existentialism?
A: Existentialism was started by the Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard (1813–1855).
Q: Does existentialism say human life has meaning or purpose?
A: No, existentialists think that the world and human life have no meaning unless people give them meaning. They believe we find ourselves existing in the world, and then we give ourselves meaning or 'essence'.
Q: How does this differ from nihilism?
A: Nihilists believe that human life does not have a meaning or purpose at all; whereas existentialists say that people must choose their own purpose.
Q: What emotions are often connected with existentialism?
A: Existentialism is often connected with negative emotions such as anxiety (worrying), dread (a very strong fear), and mortality (awareness of our own death).
Q: What do existentialists think about making choices?
A: Existentialists believe that our actions or choices are very important because they think the only nature we as humans have is the nature we make for ourselves. As a result, they believe every person has to decide for themselves what is right and wrong, and what is good and bad.
