Overview
This lecture explores the philosophical quest for life's meaning, contrasting the ideas of essentialism and existentialism, and introducing key existentialist thinkers and concepts.
Essentialism: Meaning Through Essence
- Essentialism is the belief that everything, including people, has an inherent essence or purpose.
- Plato and Aristotle argued that essence defines what a thing is and gives it its function.
- According to essentialism, being a good human involves adhering to your pre-existing essence.
- This view held sway until the late 19th century and is still common today.
The Rise of Existentialism
- In the late 1800s, philosophers like Nietzsche challenged the idea of inherent essence, embracing nihilism: the view that life is ultimately meaningless.
- Jean-Paul Sartre proposed "existence precedes essence," meaning we exist first and define our purpose afterward.
- Existentialism asserts there is no predetermined path or inherent meaning in life.
- Theistic existentialists, like Kierkegaard, accept God may exist but deny that God gives life any specific purpose.
The Absurd and Radical Freedom
- Existentialists define "the absurd" as the quest for meaning in an indifferent, meaningless universe.
- Sartre argued that without cosmic rules, we are "condemned to be free" and must create our own moral codes.
- Authority figures (parents, church, government) are not sources of ultimate answers—they have to create meaning for themselves too.
Living Authentically and Bad Faith
- To live authentically is to accept the full weight of freedom and create your life's meaning.
- "Bad faith" is deceiving yourself by following external authorities and denying your freedom to choose meaning.
Sartre’s Dilemma Example
- Sartre illustrated existential choice with the example of a student torn between joining the war or caring for his mother.
- No moral theory or outside advice could determine the right choice; only the student's authentic decision could.
Meaning in a Meaningless World
- Existentialists claim that life gains meaning only if we assign it ourselves.
- Standards such as justice or purpose only exist if we create them as individuals or society.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Essentialism — The belief that things, including people, have core essences or purposes.
- Existentialism — The view that existence comes before essence, with no inherent life purpose.
- Nihilism — The belief that life lacks inherent meaning or value.
- The Absurd — The conflict between our search for meaning and the universe's indifference.
- Authenticity — Living in accordance with self-created meaning, accepting total freedom.
- Bad Faith — Denying one's freedom by adopting meaning from external authorities.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Reflect on sources of meaning in your own life and consider if they are authentically chosen.
- Review existentialist philosophers: Nietzsche, Sartre, and Kierkegaard.
- Prepare for discussion on how existentialism applies to current events or personal decisions.