existentialist philosopher
Noun: A philosopher who is a proponent of existentialism, a philosophical movement that emphasizes individual existence, freedom, choice, and personal responsibility. This thinker typically contends that human beings exist in a universe without inherent meaning or purpose (a "hostile universe") and must create their own values through authentic acts of will and commitment.
The term is used to specifically identify a thinker whose primary philosophical work is within the existentialist tradition. It distinguishes them from other types of philosophers (e.g., analytic philosophers, political philosophers).
Examples: * Jean-Paul Sartre is a famous existentialist philosopher who argued that "existence precedes essence." * The course focused on the works of existentialist philosophers like Simone de Beauvoir and Albert Camus. * She is studying to become an expert on 20th-century existentialist philosophers.
- The term can be used attributively (like an adjective) to describe concepts, themes, or works associated with this tradition.
- The novel explores existentialist philosopher themes of absurdity and alienation.
- It is often contrasted with other philosophical schools.
- His critique comes from an analytic perspective, not that of an existentialist philosopher.
- Existentialist (noun/adjective): A broader term for anyone (not necessarily a professional philosopher) who adheres to existentialist ideas, or used as an adjective (e.g., existentialist literature).
- Existentialism (noun): The philosophical movement or system of thought itself.
- Existential thinker
- Philosopher of existence
This is a specialized compound noun with a single, specific meaning related to philosophy. It does not have other common definitions outside this context. The core idea combines the focus on individual human existence (existentialist) with the professional pursuit of wisdom and knowledge (philosopher).
- a philosopher who emphasizes freedom of choice and personal responsibility but who regards human existence in a hostile universe as unexplainable