...Influence of Existentialism on a human free will. Existentialist ideas came out of a time in society when there was a deep sense of despair following the Great Depression and World War II. Society's spirit of optimism was destroyed and this helped to move term of existentialism. Existentialism impacts on many aspects. One of them is human free will. Existentialism affects people by raising an important question about creation of people and their position in life .Human searches for adequate decisions and creates his own views to find a path through his personal life. Human's personal responsibility and discipline is crucial. Existentialism impacts humans free will proving that it influences on their way of thinking, making descision and understanding who are they. Firstly, one of the most important themes being raised - a theme of existence. Especially, in the play Waiting for Godot readers spectate scenes that repeats with the same point. Estragon and Vladimir are waiting for someone who's name is 'Godot', but he never shows up. "ESTRAGON:(He turns to Vladimir.) Let's go. VLADIMIR: Wecan't. ESTRAGON: Why not? VLADIMIR: We're waiting for Godot. ESTRAGON(despairingly). Ah! (Pause.) You're sure it was here? VLADIMIR: What?ESTRAGON: That we were to wait. VLADIMIR: He said by the tree."(Waiting for Godot, p 19). This conversation show that they do not know why are they here, but they believe that Godot was here once and should come back again. Characters thinks that Godot is...
Words: 987 - Pages: 4
...Existentialism Existentialism research papers discuss the existential movement that influenced much of the world in the 20th Century. According to the New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Existentialism is a 20th Century movement that involved literature and philosophy. The main component of existentialism rests in the belief that people are entirely free and responsible for the choices they make. Existentialism By the middle of the 20th century, writers and philosophers had encountered a human society that had gone past the brink of hell and back. With the two World Wars having ravaged Europe, life itself seemed morally bankrupt. Jean-Paul Sartre, the great French existentialist, basically denied any moral code, yet held the individual solely responsible for his or her actions. This ideal was prolific by many intellectuals of the day, as faith in institutions was abandoned in light of the destruction and war across the globe. In many respects, this is one of the most unsettling philosophies in existence. The unsettling aspect of existentialism is that if there is to be no universal moral code, then individuals are free to make their own decisions about right and wrong, regardless of civil statues and the rights of others. Granted, we are all responsible for the choices we make. If we choose to kill, for example, we must accept the repercussions. However, knowledge of consequences and a willingness to establish one’s own moral code are two different things. Human...
Words: 284 - Pages: 2
...Meaning and Existentialism in My Life - Existentialism is a phiosophy which revolves around the central belief that we create ourselves. External factors are not important. It is the way that we let external factors affect us that determines who we are. As individuals we all have the freedom to choose our own path and that is what life is all about. Along with the freedom of choice comes the responsibilty of one's actions which can make some people anxious but give others meaning to their lives. To overcome this anxiousness and accept responsibilty is to meet the challenges of life and to truly live it.... [tags: Existentialism, ] 675 words (1.9 pages) $14.95 [preview] Understanding Existentialism - Do we matter. Do we seek personal happiness in life. These are questions from existentialism. The dictionary defines existentialism as an individual’s experience filled with isolation in a hostile universe where a human being attempts to find true self and the meaning of life through free will, choice, and personal responsibility. Hamlet is an existentialist character who believes that he is forced to avenge his father’s death and the hatred builds in his heart because of the many betrayals which direct him towards a senseless life and constant thoughts about suicide; this ultimately leads to his demise and he is left with naught.... [tags: Existentialism] 872 words (2.5 pages) $14.95 [preview] Life Value vs. Existentialism in Grendel - A main theme in John Gardner’s Grendel...
Words: 3737 - Pages: 15
... one can meet very similar concepts and ideas illustrated in another piece of art, which is the movie “I Heart Huckabees” by David O. Russell. This philosophical comedy does, indeed, share many similarities with The Stranger. The four main principles of existentialism similar in the book and the movie are observation, meaning of life, coincidence, and absurd. The best place to start is one of the most important aspects of existentialism and absurd as well as of The Stranger, observation. In The Stranger, we read about the constant observation that is done by the main...
Words: 1362 - Pages: 6
...An Exception to the Rule With how technology has embedded itself into the lives of american citizens, specifically millennials, people have begun to deeply consider its effects on society. One such effect is the constant availability of information, true or false. Accurate information can benefit and evolve a society whereas false information breeds hate and elongates struggle and grief. Communities based on beneficial information or tactics aid in the lives of millennials as well. With the way Millennials experience information and partake communities based on true information, elements of Kafka’s and Camus Existentialist writings can be adhered to daily life. Existentialism is a literary movement that focuses in on the individual as opposed...
Words: 1477 - Pages: 6
...Existential Psychotherapy is the only branch of psychotherapy that emphasizes on intricate subjective conditions that influence our behavior. Krug, 2009, said that existentialism aims to understand people as spiritual beings in the world who make their physical, psychological, social, and interpersonal reality from their own life experiences. According to him, and other eminent contributors of existentialism, there are four basic dimensions in human life that is responsible for all emotions, and conflicts. They are : Self awareness Freedom and autonomy Making own identity and maintaining social relationships The search for meaning and purpose in life Awareness of death as an inevitable part of human life Anxiety and conflict that appears...
Words: 657 - Pages: 3
...personal preference, level of training, and individual understandings about how children learn. Additionally, the teaching environment influences one’s philosophy; there are certain non-negotiable aspects of both curriculum and instruction that are under the control of district, state and federal administrations. My own philosophy is no different, my beliefs and understandings have grown and changed as I gained experience. Certain requirements of my school and public schools in general have affected my philosophy; I have adapted and modified for what is, to make my philosophy compatible with reality. The results of my philosophy assessment, as seen on the chart below, did not surprise me. My beliefs fit into pattern four (Wiles, Bondi, & Sowell, 2002) which in my case is an inverted “U” shape. That I appear to have strong beliefs in different systems is consistent with my own understandings of philosophy. Perennialism is the weakest strand of my philosophy, closely followed by idealism, which suggests that I do not agree with highly structured teacher directed learning. Interestingly, my beliefs regarding realism and existentialism nearly equally flank my strongest beliefs which fall into the experimentalism category. Since I view experimentalism as a combination of realism and existentialism, the pattern seems to fit. Overall, the results of my assessment appear fairly accurate. I think the results of my assessment are right on target. Although Wiles, Bondi, & Sowell (2002) describe...
Words: 1248 - Pages: 5
...Philosophical concepts By Mashell Chapeyama University of the People Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (2010-2014) Truth and knowledge People have various ways in which they look at things. Some think in ways that are good and others in ways that are bad. Some people look at things differently from others. But who really knows what is true and what is real. Some people stay in the darkness for a long time without have the true knowledge. This essay explores how Socrates looked at things and his beliefs and perception as compared to how Voltaire looked at life. This is a summary of what was captured in Apology, allegory of the cave and the Good Brahmin. These stories have good implication on the essence of philosophy in life. What is philosophy and how should we consider it? In short, these essays talk about enlightenment, which is a process whereby a person comes to know the truth as opposed to being ignorant. Socrates’ views of life are shown in the stories of Apology and allegory of the Cave. The main one that shows Socrates’ ideas is that of the allegory of the caves, which will be explained briefly in this essay. In the allegory of the cave there is a tantalizing scenario. The scenario is as follows. It is shown in a state of things that a young person has been in. The scenario is like that of a person who was born and ever since his youth hood was placed in a cave. In this cave there is no light. This person is chained there in that he is not able...
Words: 7777 - Pages: 32
...Philosophical concepts By Mashell Chapeyama University of the People Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (2010-2014) Truth and knowledge People have various ways in which they look at things. Some think in ways that are good and others in ways that are bad. Some people look at things differently from others. But who really knows what is true and what is real. Some people stay in the darkness for a long time without have the true knowledge. This essay explores how Socrates looked at things and his beliefs and perception as compared to how Voltaire looked at life. This is a summary of what was captured in Apology, allegory of the cave and the Good Brahmin. These stories have good implication on the essence of philosophy in life. What is philosophy and how should we consider it? In short, these essays talk about enlightenment, which is a process whereby a person comes to know the truth as opposed to being ignorant. Socrates’ views of life are shown in the stories of Apology and allegory of the Cave. The main one that shows Socrates’ ideas is that of the allegory of the caves, which will be explained briefly in this essay. In the allegory of the cave there is a tantalizing scenario. The scenario is as follows. It is shown in a state of things that a young person has been in. The scenario is like that of a person who was born and ever since his youth hood was placed in a cave. In this cave there is no light. This person is chained there in that he is not able...
Words: 7777 - Pages: 32
...physical, social, mental and emotional aspects as well. Existonalism has undergone a lot of criticism as many existentialists have regarded many traditional philosophies as abstract and remote less from humanness. Soren Kierkegaard was one of the first one to put his views in regards to this subject-Existonalism but he did not use the term Existonalism but rather described that a human is solely responsible for giving motive and finding ways to make his life purposeful and the society and religion have got no shares to play authenticity. An odd movement it was, because to all those most practical and intellectual thinkers in the world claimed existentialists, denied it almost all the times. Existonalism out of no doubt is one of the most arduous terms to outline and comprehend. The movement is termed odd in relevance to the following delegates- Soren Kierkegaard and Fredrich Nietzsche whom everybody claims and points to be important to the movement, they denied as the members of the movement. It was not only these big figures who denied being the part of the movement but also some really big names like Jean-Paul Sartre, Albert Camus and few other names also come to the list of all those who at least once, denied on being ever a part of the movement. The basic philosophy of existentialism is discussed below with concern to the following terms and points. 1. Freedom- freedom and choice are very much emphasized under the philosophy of existentialism. Every human is free to make choice...
Words: 1495 - Pages: 6
...1. Compare and contrast various views of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Taoism. Hinduism is a religion meaning part of three main parts which include Vishnaism, Saivism and the Saktism. People must therefore follow the gods from one of the above three. Budhism on the other hand comes from the word buddhi which can be defined as the process of waking up. Budhism is therefore the awakening philosophy. These origins of this philosophy are derived from Budha who awakened at the age of thirty five. Taoism on the other hand is an ethical or religious tradition from the Chinese faith. Tao means something that is the source of and force behind all that exists. In comparison, Hinduism is about understanding Brahm, from within the Atman which roughly means from within the soul, whereas Budhism is all about finding Anatman which is not soul. Hinduism is about finding the highest life by removing bodily distractions from life. Taoism on the other hand means the way, which is a Chinese quotation meaning Tao is found in the world through nature and can be experienced through a mystical experience. Buddhism is carried out in Monasteries, nunneries and temples while Hinduism is carried out in a temple. In comparison, both Buddhism and Hinduism and Taoism embrace the use of statues and pictures.in addition to that both also follow the Dharma which is the common religious law. In Budhism, the clergy consists of monks and nuns who follow teachings of the Budha under the name Sangha whereas in Hinduism...
Words: 1511 - Pages: 7
...completely free. To understand what this statement means, this essay will look at Existentialist philosophy and evaluate the central concepts namely freedom, anguish, abandonment and despair. Through analysing Sartre’s lecture entitled ‘Existentialism and Humanism’ and his book, ‘Being and Nothingness’ this essay will explain what he meant by this statement and will argue that while man is free to a certain extent, he is not completely free. Sartre delivered his lecture in a time of guarded optimism and unrest. The truth about the Nazi power and Auschwitz had just become known and the first atomic bomb had been dropped. People were becoming aware of how evil others could be and were looking for answers. There was a need to re-examine life as they knew it and Sartre, through Existentialism, offered a new approach to life. While Sartre himself later repudiated parts of his lecture it still remains his most widely read writing. (Philosophynow.org, 2016) Sartre used the word, ‘freedom’ which would have appealed to the people of that epoch having just been freed from Nazi occupation, however he says man is condemned to be free as he believed freedom came with great responsibility. The main reason for Sartre’s lecture was to defend Existentialism against its critics who thought it would lead to ‘quietism of despair’. They thought it was contemplative and would discourage people from taking action. Due to the words he used, namely anguish, abandonment and despair, many people felt...
Words: 2709 - Pages: 11
...Sally Arias English 150 Professor Zacharias September 23, 2010 An Examination of the Philosophy of Dadaism and It’s Existential Roots Dadaism is an artistic movement that prospered from Europe around the 20th century. Many believe that this form of art is a representation of the “nihilistic protest against all aspects of Western Culture mainly due to a direct result of revulsion and rebellion against the horrors of war” (Shemool). However, what these artists really wanted was to open the minds of society to a new world of illogicality and endless possibilities without the limitations of moral and religious belief. The purpose of this artistic movement is to challenge the conventional principles of morality and establishment of laws by portraying its unique incongruous form of art. Its bizarre and inimitable ways depict some of the basic principles of existentialism, which is “a modern philosophical movement that stressed the importance of personal experience as an individual who are seen as a free agent in a deterministic and seemingly meaningless universe” (Collins English Dictionary). This concept aroused controversy in society since such eruptions of “absurd” terminology were never before seen or accepted. Although some of the works of Dadaism meddled with the tolerance of human society, its true intentions were to re-establish the values of romantic practices and indispensable morality of humanity when uncorrupted by societies’ taboo beliefs. Many of the people...
Words: 838 - Pages: 4
...its theory and principles. Existential psychotherapy, with a focus on growth and development, is an approach that primarily utilizes the therapeutic relationship and has no specific methodology. Four givens or major concerns in Existentialism are identified and three target areas are determined. Several Existential approaches are used to reach experiential goals for the client. The addition of spirituality to the treatment modality is considered for its utility, compatibility, and possible incompatibility. Empirical evidence is used to support the treatment choices and the rational for the sequence of changes. The anticipated progress and results are considered with possible challenges to the process. Existential Case Study of George Costanza A Conceptualization and Treatment Plan A gentleman with strong generalized anxiety issues was referred by his employer for counseling. It was decided that the most effective approach would be Existential psychotherapy because of its flexibility and efficacy with all of the issues. In addition, the client’s inclination to openly share his thoughts and emotions made this therapeutic path a good fit. Although the client had not previously indicated a strong spiritual inclination, the inclusion of a spiritual aspect was easily incorporated into the treatment plan allowing for richer and more significant results. Presenting Concerns George says his life is frustrating because he never gets a...
Words: 5684 - Pages: 23
...Notes on Existentialism Compiled for PSY 345 (Fall 2004) Existentialism provides a moving account of the agony of being in the world. The spirit of existentialism has a long history in philosophy. But it became a major movement in the second half of the 20th century. Existentialism is not a systematic body of thought like Marxism or psychoanalysis. Instead, it is more like an umbrella under which a very wide range of thinkers struggled with questions about the meaning of life. Much of the appeal and popularity of Existentialism is due to the sense of confusion, the crisis, and the feeling of rejection and rootlessness that Europeans felt during World War II and its aftermath. Existentialism’s focus on each person’s role in creating meaning in their life was a major influence on the Phenomenological and Humanistic traditions in psychology and on the “human potential” movement that emerged from them. Rene Descartes (1596-1650) said, “Conquer yourself rather than the world.”. To modern existentialists this means that the World itself has no real meaning or purpose. It is not the unfolding expression of Human Destiny or a Divine plan, or even a set of natural laws. The only meaning is that which we create by acts of will. To have a meaningful life we have to act. But we should act without hope. Acting is meaningful but it doesn’t create meaning that lasts beyond the acts themselves or beyond our own lifetime. You are what you do – while you are doing it – and then nothing. (Very...
Words: 3244 - Pages: 13
