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A fundamental assertion of existentialism holding that humans define their own meaning in life, and try to make rational decisions despite existing in an irrational universe.

German philosopher known for his critique of traditional European morality and religion, his concept of the 'Ubermensch' (Superman), and the declaration 'God is dead'.

A term in existentialist philosophy referring to the conflict between the human tendency to seek inherent value and meaning in life, and the human inability to find any in a purposeless, meaningless universe.

An existentialist concept about the degree to which an individual's actions are congruent with their beliefs and desires, despite external pressures.

A term used in existentialist philosophy to describe the deep-seated, never fully escapable feeling of anxiety that derives from human freedom and responsibility.

French philosopher and author who contributed to the rise of the philosophy known as absurdism, an off-shoot of existentialism. Wrote 'The Stranger' and 'The Myth of Sisyphus'.

German philosopher known for his complex analysis of being, his concept of Dasein, and his influence on existentialism through his work 'Being and Time'.

French existentialist philosopher and playwright who claimed 'existence precedes essence' and emphasized freedom, choice, and responsibility.

An existentialist term used by Jean-Paul Sartre to describe the human tendency to deceive oneself into thinking one does not have the freedom to make choices because of external factors.

An existentialist concept referring to all those properties that third-personally define a person (age, gender, past actions), but which are not under their control.

A key concept in Heidegger's philosophy, meaning 'being there' or 'presence,' it refers to the experience of the human being who is aware of and must confront their own existence.

French existentialist philosopher and writer known for her treatise 'The Second Sex', a foundational text in feminist philosophy and existential ethics.

According to existentialists, this is the defining characteristic of human beings. It is the ability to think and act independently, bearing the weight of the consequences.

Within existentialism, this is the experience of becoming isolated from one's own essence or nature through external forces or through inauthentic living.

In existentialist philosophy, it refers to the act of surpassing the given aspects of one's situation, like their facticity, to reveal their authenticity.

According to existentialists, this arises from realizing the uncertainty of outcomes and circumstances, coupled with the individual's ultimate responsibility for their own fate.

A psychological episode in which an individual questions the meaning, significance, and value of their life, possibly leading to despair or resolve.

A concept significant in existentialism and phenomenology which refers to the perception or treatment of a person or group as distinctly different from, and often inferior to, oneself.

German philosopher and psychiatrist who had a strong influence on modern theology and existentialism with his work on the themes of existential communication and transcendence.

An existential concept introduced by Heidegger referring to the arbitrary facts about one's existence such as birthplace and time, over which the individual has no control.

A central concept in Nietzsche's philosophy, interpreting all human behavior as motivated by a drive to control, dominate, or express strength.

French philosopher known for his leading role in Christian existentialism, his works on the nature of human existence, hope, and the philosophy of co-existence.

A philosophical viewpoint that asserts the meaninglessness or valuelessness of life, often perceived as a challenge or crisis in existentialist thought.

Lithuanian-born French philosopher known for his work on existentialism and ethics, especially the ethics of responsibility to the other person.

Nietzsche's concept of the 'overman' or 'superman,' the goal for humanity to set for itself, free from the constraints of ordinary moral codes.

In Sartre's existential philosophy, this term describes a being that is conscious of its own consciousness and experiences itself as a subject in the world.

In existentialist thought, particularly Sartre's, it denotes an inanimate object or something that simply exists without the capacity for consciousness.

Danish philosopher considered the father of existentialism, focused on personal choice, commitment, and the necessity of a 'leap of faith'.

Concepts in existentialism that represent different aspects of the human situation like death, suffering, and struggle that can't be escaped and must be faced.