SAINT MICHAEL COLLEGE OF HINDANG, LEYTE INC.

Bonifacio St. Pob. II, Hindang, Leyte

Existentialism: A Comprehensive Philosophical Perspective

( WRITTEN REPORT )

In Partial Fulfilment of the Course Requirements in

Major 4A– Principles and Theories of Language Acquisition

and Learning

Prepared by:
CAGADAS, FLORAMIL C.
BSED- II
(MWF, 6:30-7:30 P.M)

Submitted to:
MICHAEL T. BULAWAN
Instructor

Date of Submission and Presentation:

October 25, 2023
1ST Semester, A.Y 2023-2024
I. OBJECTIVES

At the end of this lesson, the student will be able to:

1. Define Existentialism, the Key Concepts of Existentialism,

and its significance.
2. Identify the Prominent Existentialists.

II. INTRODUCTION

Existentialism is a philosophical movement that emerged in the 20th

century, focusing on human existence, freedom, and the search for
meaning in a seemingly indifferent world. This simple report provides an
overview of existentialism, its key concepts, and relevance.

III. DISCUSSION

Key Concepts of Existentialism:

1. Existence Precedes Essence: Existentialism asserts that individuals

are born with no predetermined purpose or meaning. They must define
their essence and purpose through their choices and actions. Jean-Paul
Sartre famously coined the phrase "existence precedes essence" to
capture this idea.
2. Freedom and Responsibility: Existentialism places a strong emphasis
on individual freedom. However, with freedom comes the responsibility to
make choices and face the consequences of those choices. This can lead
to anxiety and uncertainty.
3. Absurdity: Existentialists acknowledge the apparent lack of inherent
meaning in life. They confront the "absurd" nature of existence, where
individuals must find meaning in a world that, at first glance, appears
devoid of it.

Prominent Existentialists:

• Jean-Paul Sartre: Emphasized human freedom and existential choice.

• Albert Camus: Explored the absurdity of life and the quest for meaning.
• Martin Heidegger: Focused on the concept of "being-in-the-world."
• Simone de Beauvoir: Contributed to existential feminism.

Significance of Existentialism

Existentialism remains relevant as it addresses fundamental questions

about human existence and the search for meaning. Its concepts of
freedom, responsibility, and the recognition of life's absurdity continue to
influence philosophy, psychology, and various aspects of contemporary life.

IV. APPLICATION OF EXISTENTIALISM

1. Freedom of Choice: Give students more autonomy in their learning by

allowing them to choose topics for assignments or projects. This reflects
existentialism's emphasis on individual freedom and decision-making. It
encourages them to take ownership of their education.
2. Questioning and Critical Thinking: Encourage students to question
the material and engage in critical thinking. Existentialism values the
questioning of the status quo, so discussions and assignments should
prompt students to challenge assumptions, explore different perspectives,
and analyze their own beliefs.
3. Discussion of Life's Meaning: Explore the philosophical question of
life's meaning within the subject matter. For example, in literature or ethics
classes, discuss how the themes or ethical dilemmas relate to existentialist
ideas of finding meaning in a seemingly absurd world.

V. SUMMARY

Existentialism, at its core, is a philosophical perspective that invites

individuals to question their existence, embrace their freedom, and seek
their own meaning in an otherwise uncertain and often absurd world. This
report offers a simple introduction to the key ideas and significance of
existentialism.

VI. REFERENCES

•Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy – Existentialism

https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/existentialism/

•YouTube - Existentialism Explained

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Existentialism+Explained

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Existentialism#:~:text=In%20the%2020th%20century%2C
%20prominent,Gabriel%20Marcel%2C%20and%20Paul%20Tillich.