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For those not familiar with it, here are some definitions from Wikipedia and Ive added some of my own too.
Basically it means that individuals determine their own development/destiny/purpose in life through their acts and feelings, not just thoughts. There are several subsets of existentialism, namely fatalism, determinism and nihilism.
Fatalism is a philosophical doctrine stressing the subjugation of all events or actions to fate. The view that we are powerless to do anything other than what we actually do. Also it could mean an attitude of resignation in the face of some future event or events which are thought to be inevitable.
Determinism is a philosophical position stating that for everything that happens there are conditions such that, given those conditions, nothing else could happen. It is similar to fatalism in that it creates an illusion of choice but in the end, everything falls into place in a single way because there really isnt a choice.
Existential nihilism is the philosophical theory that life has no intrinsic meaning or value. According to the theory, each individual is an isolated being "thrown" into the universe, barred from knowing "why", yet compelled to invent meaning. The inherent meaninglessness of life is largely explored in the philosophical school of existentialism, where one can potentially create his or her own subjective "meaning" or "purpose".
Another important aspect to existentialism is the definition of absurdity. The notion of the Absurd contains the idea that there is no meaning to be found in the world beyond what meaning we give to it. This meaninglessness also encompasses the amorality or "unfairness" of the world. This contrasts with the notion that "bad things don't happen to good people"; to the world, metaphorically speaking, there is no such thing as a good person or a bad person; what happens happens, and it may just as well happen to a "good" person as to a "bad" person.
Because of the world's absurdity, at any point in time, anything can happen to anyone, and a tragic event could plummet someone into direct confrontation with the Absurd.
Does anybody subscribe to this philosophy? I would consider myself an existential nihilist since Im an atheist and I more or less create my own meaning of life.
Thoughts?
Basically it means that individuals determine their own development/destiny/purpose in life through their acts and feelings, not just thoughts. There are several subsets of existentialism, namely fatalism, determinism and nihilism.
Fatalism is a philosophical doctrine stressing the subjugation of all events or actions to fate. The view that we are powerless to do anything other than what we actually do. Also it could mean an attitude of resignation in the face of some future event or events which are thought to be inevitable.
Determinism is a philosophical position stating that for everything that happens there are conditions such that, given those conditions, nothing else could happen. It is similar to fatalism in that it creates an illusion of choice but in the end, everything falls into place in a single way because there really isnt a choice.
Existential nihilism is the philosophical theory that life has no intrinsic meaning or value. According to the theory, each individual is an isolated being "thrown" into the universe, barred from knowing "why", yet compelled to invent meaning. The inherent meaninglessness of life is largely explored in the philosophical school of existentialism, where one can potentially create his or her own subjective "meaning" or "purpose".
Another important aspect to existentialism is the definition of absurdity. The notion of the Absurd contains the idea that there is no meaning to be found in the world beyond what meaning we give to it. This meaninglessness also encompasses the amorality or "unfairness" of the world. This contrasts with the notion that "bad things don't happen to good people"; to the world, metaphorically speaking, there is no such thing as a good person or a bad person; what happens happens, and it may just as well happen to a "good" person as to a "bad" person.
Because of the world's absurdity, at any point in time, anything can happen to anyone, and a tragic event could plummet someone into direct confrontation with the Absurd.
Does anybody subscribe to this philosophy? I would consider myself an existential nihilist since Im an atheist and I more or less create my own meaning of life.
Thoughts?