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Existentialism Key Concepts
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The Absurd
The Absurd refers to the conflict between the human tendency to search for inherent value and meaning in life and the human inability to find any in a chaotic, irrational universe. It is the basis for Camus's works.
Existence precedes essence
This concept means that the individual exists first, and defines their essence through their actions and choices, rather than conforming to a predetermined essence or purpose.
Authenticity
Authenticity in existentialism is the degree to which one is true to one's own personality, spirit, or character, despite external pressures.
Bad Faith
Bad Faith is a concept in Existentialism where individuals deceive themselves to avoid the responsibility that comes with free will, often by adopting false values.
Freedom
Freedom in existentialism emphasizes the individual's capacity to act independently and make free choices, implying responsibility for those choices.
Facticity
Facticity refers to all of the concrete details against the background of which human freedom exists and is limited, such as birthplace, age, and physical make-up.
Angst
Angst is the dread caused by the individual's realization of the freedom and responsibility they possess, often resulting in a feeling of disorientation and anxiety.
The Other
The Other, or the 'look' of the Other, is the concept of others perceiving us, shaping our experience of reality and our own being through their judgments.
Alienation
Alienation in existentialism revolves around feeling estranged from the world and oneself, as a result of failing to find meaning or due to societal pressures.
Being-towards-death
Being-towards-death is Heidegger's idea that human existence is defined by an individual's anticipation of death, which allows them to live their life authentically.
Existential Despair
Existential despair is the feeling of hopelessness and desolation that may arise when one confronts the inherent meaninglessness of life and the absence of any absolute moral or value system.
Dasein
Dasein is a term used by Heidegger to describe human existence that is conscious of and responsible for its own existence, emphasizing being 'there' or present in the world.
The will to power
The will to power is a central concept in the philosophy of Nietzsche; a fundamental drive that can explain much of human behavior beyond a mere will to survive.
The Eternal Return
The Eternal Return, proposed by Nietzsche, is the idea that the universe and all events within it are recurring and will continue to do so an infinite number of times.
Nihilism
Nihilism is a philosophical viewpoint that suggests that life lacks inherent meaning, purpose, or intrinsic value, which existentialists both confront and respond to.
Existential Choice
Existential choice refers to the idea that individuals create their own values and determine a purpose for their life through their choices, which are not predestined.
Existential Guilt
Existential guilt arises when an individual realizes that they have not taken full advantage of their freedom to make choices that are in line with their authentic self.
Existential Therapy
Existential therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses existential philosophy as a framework to address psychological issues, focusing on free will, self-determination, and the search for meaning.
Übermensch
Übermensch, or 'Superman', is a concept by Nietzsche referring to an individual who has overcome the traditional values and limitations imposed by society to create their own values.
Existential Politics
Existential politics embraces the idea that politics should emphasize individual freedom, authenticity, and human existence, and often critiques totalizing political ideologies.
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