Description

Sisyphus is a figure in Greek mythology who is condemned to an eternity of meaningless labor. In “The Myth of Sisyphus,” Camus contends that the fate of Sisyphus illuminates the plight of all humanity. This relationship forms the basis for his philosophy of the absurd. He maintains that Sisyphus is happy, and that his happiness is the product of three responses to the absurdity of his situation: revolt, freedom, and passion. In my paper I will examine how his thesis relates to education, and use it as a lens to examine the absurdities present within. I will then present ways in which teachers can confront these absurdities and encourage revolt, freedom, and the pursuit of passion in the lives of their students. Furthermore, I will argue that these actions are necessary for students to develop praxis and find meaning in the solidarity of the struggle against the absurd.