Existentialism

This blog is a response to a task assigned by Dilip Barad sir, Department of English (MKBU). This blog is about the concept of Existentialism. This blog is a part of a thinking activity, in which students have to watch videos and then share their views about the concept and ask questions regarding the topic. For further reading Click Here.

Existentialism

Existentialism is a catch-all term for those philosophers who consider the nature of the human condition as a key philosophical problem and who share the view that this problem is best addressed through ontology. This very broad definition will be clarified by discussing seven key themes that existentialist thinkers address. Those philosophers considered existentialists are mostly from the continent of Europe, and date from the 19th and 20th centuries. Outside philosophy, the existentialist movement is probably the most well-known philosophical movement, and at least two of its members are among the most famous philosophical personalities and widely read philosophical authors.

It has certainly had considerable influence outside philosophy, for example on psychological theory and on the arts. Within philosophy, though, it is safe to say that this loose movement considered as a whole has not had a great impact, although individuals or ideas counted within it remain important. Moreover, most of the philosophers conventionally grouped under this heading either never used, or actively disavowed, the term ‘existentialist’. Even Sartre himself once said: “Existentialism? I don’t know what that is.” So, there is a case to be made that the term – insofar as it leads us to ignore what is distinctive about philosophical positions and to conflate together significantly different ideas – does more harm than good.

(Fell)

I am impressed by these thoughts:

That everyone can choose their own life, not following any other traditional value. And it is individuality that you can determine your own value. In the video no. 2 time stamp 01:10, there is a reference of Albert Camus, according to him the suicide is an individual act and it is an work of art. Now when everything is absurd, and if one can not find the meaning there is also a way out and that is death. Suicide is not an negative art as we say that mortality is a boon because there is always a way out, one always have a option to end all the absurdity. It gives meaning to life, it makes life more free from all the boundaries, we can live fully because we know we will die. 

Another thing I like about the master morality is the concept of Ubermensch, In the video no. 8 timestamp 01:50 we find that concept, Not relying on anyone else having our moral code. The same idea we also find in the philosophy of Jean Paul Satre. In the video no.10 time stamp 06:05 there is a story of a student of Sartre who is not able to decide between the duty of a son or duty of soldier, there is that concept of our choice. There is no right value or moral sense in that decision whatever he would do is the right thing to do.

Which video do you like the most? Why?

I like the video 7: Introduction to Existentialism. In that video the concept of existentialism is nicely explained. At 01:20 there is a discussion about the origins, pioneers, centuries are discussed in detail. The reason behind the movement is also nicely explained about the World Wars and their impact on the life of the people(timestamp 01:38). The basic human questions like Why am I here? What does it mean to be human? How shouldI live my life? These are some common questions that people ask to themselves and from that only many philosophical ideas emerge(timestamp 03:02). There is a contradiction shown between the religious beliefs behind the creation of the human being and the individuality that how one finds one owns meaning(timestamp 06:20). Aristotle’s views on the same ideology also came into discussion about the essence of everything that exists in the universe(timestamp 08:00). The difference between Nihilism and Existentialism is also stated by the video creator that I like the most(timestamp 10:44). Nietzsche's statement that “Nihilism is disease and “Become what you are” are explained nicely(timestamp 11:15). The same concept of Existentialism that one can create one's own personal subjective meaning is discussed in the video.

How would you describe the 'learning outcome' of this activity? (Do you think that your understanding of Existentialism has increased or is there clarity about this philosophy in your mind or do you feel confident about speaking / writing in extempore on 'Existentialism' after this activity?)

Yes, I think my understanding of Existentialism has increased and I feel confident about speaking about the concept of Existentialism. Apart from the definition there are many different aspects that I observed in the videos. Like believing in God is escapism from the absurdity, It will stop you from thinking rationally, It will never let one find one’s true identity. And first of all to see the absurdity in the world one has to start thinking after understanding the absurdity, there must be acceptance that life is absurd and then finding our own meaning. The concept of Existentialism motivates us to think individually, choosing our own path. Through the absurdity we can understand ourselves. In life one has to take the responsibility of one's own actions and through that one can be free from the traditional idea. One needs God because when he fails in life there is someone to blame, there is someone to complain. So one escapes from taking the responsibilities of one’s actions.

Questions: 

1. In video number 3, at timestamp 02:18, there is a reference to Albert Camus saying, 'I am taking the liberty at this point of calling the existential attitude philosophical suicide.' Is he in agreement with this idea, against philosophical suicide, or simply trying to distinguish himself from existentialists?

2. In the second video, at timestamp 03:37, there are two sentences: 1) “Life is meaningless” and 2) “Let's commit suicide.” In response, Albert Camus says, “There is no necessary common measure between these two judgments.” What is he trying to convey through this line, and how does he later justify his point in the video?”

3. In video number 6, at timestamp 00:40, there is a reference to Emil Cioran, who says that passivity prevents him from committing suicide, and that is rebellion. So, according to him, is rebellion about committing suicide or fighting against it? Later in the video, another point of view is presented, that of Albert Camus related to the myth of Sisyphus. How does that contrast with Cioran's idea?

4. In video number 9, at timestamp 02:21, it is said that “Existentialism appeals to both the mind and the heart”. So, is Existentialism based solely on rational thinking, or does it also have an emotional side? And in what aspect can we find this emotional aspect?

5. There is Nietzsche's concept of Übermensch, which emphasises mastering morality. However, if someone develops a misguided moral framework leading to detrimental outcomes, would it be preferable for them to have a fear of divine consequence rather than persisting in their flawed moral beliefs?

Words: 1219

Reference:

Fell, Joseph P. “Existentialism | Internet Encyclopedia.” Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy, https://iep.utm.edu/existent/. Accessed 25 February 2024.