EXISTENTIALISM


Existentialism is a philosophy manifested in Germany after WW1. This philosophy places an emphasis on the individuality of the person and on the uniqueness that is inexplicable in terms of any scientific or metaphysical system. The purpose of existentialism is to encourage each person to come to the realization of his unique existence. The fundamental question concerns the meaning of human life – a life in which man continuously questions his purpose and accepts responsibility for his actions. This phenomenological approach places an overemphasis on suffering, despair, anxiety, and death. The existential attitude causes one to criticize traditional social, political, and religious structures and values. This philosophy has often been criticized for its irrationalism and its conflict with traditional religion.
The philosophers associated with existentialism include Kierkegaard, Heidegger, Sartre, Jaspers, and Marcel. All these thinkers believe in the “authentic existence” but differ in their interpretation of it.


Breisach, Ernst. 1962. Introduction to Modern Existentialism. New York: Random House.

Green,Maxine. 1967. Existential Encounters for Teachers. New York: Random House.

Grimsley, Ronald. 1967. Existential Thought. Cardiff: University of Wales Press.