Explore tens of thousands of sets crafted by our community.
Albert Camus’ Philosophy
15
Flashcards
0/15
Nihilism
Camus was critical of nihilism, which he saw as a consequence of the absurd that one should rebel against. He believed that to surrender to nihilism was to be defeated by the absurd.
Moral Ambiguity
Camus believed in the complexity of moral choices and rejected absolute principles. Moral ambiguity, for Camus, is a natural part of the human condition and the process of making ethical decisions in light of the absurd.
Lucidity
Lucidity in Camus' thought refers to the clear-sighted awareness of the absurdity of the human condition. It entails a refusal to be drawn into false hopes or despair and the ability to confront the truth of the human predicament with honesty.
Absurd Creation
Absurd creation pertains to the creative endeavors undertaken after accepting the absurd. It posits that through creating art or engaging in creative activities, one exercises freedom and defines life’s meaning.
Revolt
In Camus' thought, revolt refers to the response to the absurd condition. It is the constant confrontation with the absurd and the refusal to capitulate to its despair, thereby affirming one’s own existence.
Authenticity
While not emphasized as much as in the work of other existentialists, authenticity in Camus' philosophy involves living in accordance with one’s personal values and recognition of the absurd, rather than societal expectations.
The Plague
In Camus' novel 'The Plague', the metaphor of plague depicts the absurdity and suffering inherent in human existence, and the characters' varied responses symbolize different ways of dealing with the absurd.
Absurd
The concept of the absurd lies at the heart of Camus’ philosophy, entailing the conflict between human tendency to seek inherent value and meaning in life and the inability to find any in a purposeless, meaningless or chaotic and irrational universe.
Existence Precedes Essence
While not explicitly framed by Camus, this Sartrean principle aligns with his ideas. It suggests that individuals create their own essence (meaning and purpose) through their actions, after recognizing their existence as absurd.
Existential Angst
A term more commonly associated with other existentialists like Kierkegaard and Sartre, existential angst describes the feelings of unease or anxiety that stem from confronting the absurdities of existence, which is a component of Camus’ recognition of the absurd.
Absurd Rebellion
Absurd rebellion is the act of resisting the absurd through constant struggle, celebrating life while remaining aware of the lack of ultimate meaning. It's not resignation but a positive act asserting one's desire for clarity and meaning.
Absurd Freedom
Absurd freedom refers to the liberation that individuals experience when accepting the absurd. Without the false hope for ultimate meaning, individuals are free to live life as they please, creating their own meanings and values.
Suicide
Camus begins 'The Myth of Sisyphus' by considering suicide as a response to the absurd but ultimately rejects it as a surrender to the absurd, and fails to acknowledge the potential for human experience and revolt.
The Myth of Sisyphus
This essay introduces and fully articulates the philosophy of the absurd. Through the mythological figure of Sisyphus, Camus illustrates how one must imagine Sisyphus happy as he embraces his struggle, thus illustrating the absurd hero.
Absurd Hero
The absurd hero is a character who recognizes the absurd condition but chooses to continue pushing the boulder up a hill, like Sisyphus, fully aware that his task is meaningless. It represents the human capacity for courage and persistence.
© Hypatia.Tech. 2024 All rights reserved.