DebSoc Philosophy: EXISTENTIALISM

“We are all insects. Groping towards something terrible or divine.” – Philip K. Dick

A. INTRODUCTION

Existentialism is a metaphysical branch of philosophy that emphasises the agency of an

individual in defining their own lives. It is concerned with free will, choice, rationality, and
individual existence. The idea behind existentialism is that there is no explanation for
individual existence, and the main focus of this philosophical branch is human existence. If
there is no “higher power” or “supreme being” to rationalise existence, the onus is on the
individual to make sense of their lives. The term “existentialism” was coined by the French
Catholic philosopher Gabriel Marcel in the mid-1940s.

B. NOTABLE PROPONENTS

Kierkegaard and Nietzsche

Among the first philosophers considered essential to the existentialist movement, they
focused on the subjective human experience instead of the objective truths of mathematics or
science. Due to those being observational in nature, and thus, detached from human
experience. Kierkegaard and Nietzsche represented this free will through "knight of faith"
and "Ubermensch" (Superman), respectively.

Fyodor Dostoevsky

Fyodor Dostoevsky was an important literary figure in the development of existentialism.For

instance, his work, Notes from Underground, deals with a man who cannot fit into society
and is dissatisfied with his different identities. Another example of pertinent works of his that
deal with existentialism is Crime and Punishment.

Jean-Paul Sartre

Perhaps the most prominent figure to be associated with existentialism, Sartre is one of the
few who has officially accepted the label of “existentialist.” His most notable work is “Being
and Nothingness” (1943), and his novels and plays, such as “Nausea” (1938) and “No Exit”
(1944), helped popularise the concept. He postulated that human existence is not an abstract
matter, but always situated. In a lecture that he delivered in 1945, Sartre described
existentialism as “the attempt to draw all the consequences from a position of consistent
atheism.”

Albert Camus

Albert Camus uses the Greek myth of Sisyphus, who is doomed for eternity to roll a rock up
a hill, only to have it roll back down again each time, to exemplify the futility of existence in
"The Myth of Sisyphus" (1942), but shows that Sisyphus eventually finds meaning and
purpose in his task by simply applying himself to it. His various other works deal with
existential themes, have given prominence to the existentialist school of thought.

C. TENETS OF EXISTENTIALISM

Existence precedes essence: According to Sartre, a central tenet of existentialism is that

existence comes before essence. This means that individuals shape themselves by existing,
and their “essence” cannot be comprehended by predefined categorization. Simply put, one is
just put into the world (existing), and then they acquire meaning (essence) by virtue of
existence. Sartre said, “At first, Man is nothing. Only afterward will he be something, and he
himself will have made what he will be.”

The Absurd: The notion of the absurd contains the idea that there is no meaning in the world
beyond what meaning we give it. According to Camus, the world, or human beings, are not
absurd in and of itself. The concept only emerges when the two are juxtaposed; existence
becomes absurd as a result of the contradiction between humans and the world they live in.
One of the two interpretations of the absurd in existentialist literature is this one. The second
point of view, by Kierkegaard, believes that absurdity is limited to human actions and
decisions. Simply put, the concept of “the absurd” posits that whatever has to happen will
happen, irrespective of whether it is to a good person or a bad person, thus explaining the
unfairness of the world. Camus claimed in The Myth of Sisyphus that “there is only one truly
serious philosophical problem, and that is suicide.” It is also believed that the possibility of
suicide makes everyone an existentialist. Atheism, theology, and agnosticism are various
forms of existentialism.

D. IMPACT
 “The universe is a cruel, uncaring void. The key to being happy isn't a search for
meaning. It's to just keep yourself busy with unimportant nonsense, and eventually,
you'll be dead.” – Mr. Peanutbutter, BoJack Horseman

Existentialism is a very prominent concept in today’s world, with its influence impacting pop
culture and modern thought in many ways. Some examples include BoJack Horseman, Fight
Club, Cowboy Bebop, Blade Runner and The Matrix. Existentialism has opened avenues for
people to explore their free will and to define their lives on their own terms.