Existentialism 101 A Philosophical Crash Course for Dummies

Existentialism 101: A Philosophical Crash Course for Dummies

So, what exactly is Existentialism? • In a nutshell, Existentialists believe that we’re born without purpose into a world that makes no sense — but each person has the ability to create his or her own sense of meaning and peace. • Humankind is terribly, terrifyingly free v The life of a plant or animal is predictable—based on instinct, not choice. v Humankind has choices; however, we must deal with the responsibility and consequences of our choices. Individuals are responsible for what they’ve done, who they are, how they deal with the world, and are ultimately responsible for the way the world is.

Themes Found Within Existentialism… • EXISTENCE PRECEDES ESSENCE v When you’re born, you have no meaning, no purpose, no definition (Existence). Human beings exist first, and only later define themselves and their morals (Essence). • ABSURDITY v Searching for answers and meaning in a world that has no order or meaning. • ANXIETY v You feel anxiety because you recognize that you and you alone are responsible for your actions thus creating a simultaneous feeling of dread and exhilaration. • ALIENATION v The sense that you’re a stranger in the world, or a stranger to yourself. Many aspects of existence can be alienating.

Themes Continued…. • THE DEATH OF GOD v The death of the notion that belief in God alone, or belief in any religious or philosophical system, is sufficient to provide human beings with the meaning, purpose, and definition they crave. You must take responsibility for providing the answers yourself. • SUBJECTIVITY v All human experience is subjective. Humans experience the world and act from their own distinct, individual perspective- their needs, desires, and emotions. A human’s subjectivity involves their projection of self, or their image of themselves, as well as the consciously-chosen actions and concerns that make them who they are.

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Sartre’s Bio Continued… • Upon returning from war in 1941, he co-founded an underground group of thinkers and writers called “Socialism and Liberty” as a resistance to the German Occupation and Fascism. • The group was soon dismantled and Sartre started focusing on writing in which he produced existential works such as Being and Nothingness, The Flies, and No Exit.

Jean Paul Sartre: Existential Philosopher “Mankind is condemned to be free. ” • Born in Paris, France in 1905 and died in 1980. • Became interested in philosophy as a teenager and vigorously pursued academics earning degrees/certificates in psychology, history of philosophy, logic, general philosophy, ethics and sociology, and physics. • Drafted into the French Army in 1939, served in WWII, and was a POW for 9 months.

Assignment: In at least 3 paragraphs, brain storm and write about your version of your own, personal "Hell". For example, who would be there? What would the weather be like? What furniture/objects, or lack thereof, would be in the room? What food would you have, if any? How would you make the time pass? Be creative!

No Exit by Jean-Paul Sartre • A one-act play written in 1944 in which three of its characters are trapped together in hell- a drawing room that contains nothing more than three couches. • The characters seek to determine why they are in hell and how they are to be tortured. They soon learn that they will be tortured by each other for all eternity thus fulfilling Sartre’s belief that “…. hell is other people. ” • The play goes well beyond the concept that people are hell and explores various themes of Existentialism.

No Exit discussion points • No bed. No eyelids. No light switch. What’s the big deal? • According to Inez, why is there no official torturer? (pg. 10) • What does Estelle’s desperation for a mirror imply about her? (pg. 11) • What are Inez and Garcin fighting over? (pg. 13) • What is the relationship between the three characters?