Definition

1. Noun:
   • A 20th-century philosophical movement: A school of thought, primarily European, that emphasizes individual existence, freedom, and choice. It posits that humans are not defined by a predetermined essence but are free agents who create their own meaning and values through their actions and decisions, and are thus responsible for the consequences.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The novels of Jean-Paul Sartre are famous for exploring themes of existentialism.
  • Her feelings of anxiety and freedom were deeply influenced by her study of existentialism.

Advanced Usage

• "Existentialist" as an adjective: Pertaining to or characteristic of existentialism.
  • He had an existentialist crisis, questioning the purpose of his life.
• "Existentialist" as a noun: A philosopher or person who advocates or believes in existentialism.
  • Søren Kierkegaard is often considered a precursor to the existentialists.

Variants and Related Words

• Existential (adj): Relating to existence, especially human existence. Often used to describe profound questions about life, meaning, and isolation.
  • She pondered the existential question of why we are here.
• Existentialist (n/adj): (See Advanced Usage above).

Synonyms

• Philosophy of existence: A less common, descriptive synonym.
• Individualism (in a specific philosophical context): While not a perfect synonym, it shares the focus on the primacy of the individual.

Related Phrases and Concepts

• "Existence precedes essence": A central slogan of existentialism, meaning a person's existence and concrete life come first; they define their own essence (nature, purpose) through living.
  • The phrase "existence precedes essence" is a cornerstone of Sartrean existentialism.
• "Angst" or "Existential anxiety": A feeling of deep anxiety or dread stemming from the awareness of one's freedom and the meaninglessness of the universe.
  • The character was paralyzed by existential angst.
• "Bad faith" (mauvaise foi): A concept from existentialism describing self-deception, where a person denies their own freedom and responsibility by adopting roles or beliefs dictated by society.
  • He argued that following social conventions without question was an act of bad faith.

Noun

1. (philosophy) a 20th-century philosophical movement chiefly in Europe; assumes that people are entirely free and thus responsible for what they make of themselves