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Camus is known for his philosophy of the absurd, which is the conflict between the human tendency to seek inherent value and meaning in life and the inability to find any. In 'The Myth of Sisyphus,' Camus uses the Greek myth to illustrate the absurd hero.

A significant figure in existentialism and feminism, de Beauvoir's 'The Second Sex' tackles the existential oppression of women, presenting the idea that one is not born but becomes a woman, emphasizing existence over predetermined roles.

Considered the father of existentialism, Kierkegaard's works confront the individual's subjective experience of reality and the 'leap of faith' required to overcome despair. 'Fear and Trembling' discusses the Abraham and Isaac story to illustrate the concept of faith.

Kafka's works often embody existential themes of alienation, physical and psychological brutality, and mystical transformation. 'The Metamorphosis' shows the absurdity of life through Gregor Samsa's transformation into an insect.

Heidegger is known for his complex philosophical writings on existence, notably in 'Being and Time.' He introduces the concept of 'Dasein,' which refers to the experience of being that is peculiar to humans.

Often associated with Kierkegaard and Heidegger, angst is a profound and deep-seated spiritual condition of insecurity and despair as a response to the burden of freedom and the realization of life's inherent meaninglessness.

Nietzsche's philosophy often deals with existential themes, such as the concept of the 'Übermensch' or Superman, and the declaration that 'God is dead' in Thus Spoke Zarathustra, reflecting the crisis of nihilism and the need for self-defined values.

Philosophical perspective focused on the conflict between human tendencies to seek inherent meaning in life and the silent and cold universe that offers no such answers; best articulated by Albert Camus in 'The Myth of Sisyphus.'

Though not formally an existentialist, Dostoevsky's novels explore existential themes such as free will, suffering, and the search for meaning in a seemingly indifferent world. 'Notes from Underground' is considered an important existentialist text.

A central concept in Nietzsche's philosophy that all life is driven by the urge to assert and enhance one's own power. Nietzsche believes this will is more fundamental than the will to survive, as expressed in 'Beyond Good and Evil.'

A French philosopher, Sartre developed a cornerstone of existentialist philosophy with the concept of radical freedom and responsibility. In his essay 'Existentialism is a Humanism,' Sartre explains that existence precedes essence, meaning humans first exist, encounter themselves, and emerge in the world to define their essence.

This is the existentialist belief, primarily attributed to Jean-Paul Sartre, which states that humans first exist without any predefined essence or purpose, and only later define their essence through actions.

A state explored by Kierkegaard as the sickness of the spirit, which arises from the imbalance between the finite and infinite aspects of the self, and the necessity of embracing one's relationship to the absolute, discussed in 'The Sickness Unto Death.'

An existential criterion for living a genuine and self-directed existence, characterized by a personal understanding and acknowledgment of fundamental existential truths, such as freedom and responsibility, as presented in Heidegger's 'Being and Time.'

Key theme in existentialism where individuals feel disconnected from themselves, others, and the world around them. Often explored in the works of Kafka, such as his character Gregor Samsa's estrangement in 'The Metamorphosis.'

A concept articulated by Jean-Paul Sartre in 'Being and Nothingness', bad faith is the act of deceiving oneself to avoid the anxiety that comes with the freedom of choice, thereby shirking responsibility for one's own existence.

Nietzsche's hypothetical question of whether you would live your life in the exact same way if it were to recur in the same fashion for eternity. It encourages living one's life with the intention that you would want to repeat it, as mentioned in 'The Gay Science.'

A concept primarily discussed by Simone de Beauvoir and Jean-Paul Sartre, referring to the experience of being perceived by others, which can lead to objectification and loss of freedom through the gaze of another.

Nietzsche's concept of the 'Superman' or 'Overman' embodies an individual who has transcended the conventional morality and who creates their own values, as described in 'Thus Spoke Zarathustra.'