AP+P3+Existentialism

Taryn Howells 2-2-15 Audience

The audience of existentialism is all of society and humanity as a whole. Existentialism does not apply to one group nor is it limited by the bounds and limitations implicated by society. To give existentialism a specific audience and thereby limiting the bounds of existentialism would be to go against the philosophy of existentialism. Existentialism as a whole is “Evaluating solely in terms of the measurable outcomes of production was seen as reinforcing the secularisation of the institutions of political, social or economic life; and reinforcing also the abandonment of any broader sense of the spiritual dimension” (Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy). In this sense there is no defined audience for existentialism instead there is an abandonment of a box to which a defined audience is in. Existentialism is a choice left to society and all of humanity. Existentialism in its purest form is undefined and not influenced by humanity nor any outside sources.

Burnham, Douglas. "Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy." //Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy//. Staffordshire University, 1995. Web. 02 Feb. 2015. ===="Existentialism." //AllAboutPhilosophy.org //. N.p., 2002. Web. 2 Feb. 2015. ====



Historical-Brittany Wyatt

Existentialism is a philosophy starting in the late 1800’s but really coming to life with Albert Camus and Sartre in the 1900’s. It’s influences were formed mainly from art during the expressionism era and psychology, Camus and Sartre influenced literature extremely as they were both novelists not promoting existentialism, but explaining existentialism(Existentialism). Existentialism was taken as an “atheist” or “nihilistic” approach. Which they may be similar, however existentialism does not correlate, it concentrates on the “inner” working towards the “outer” instead of the “outer” working towards the “inner,” interesting fact though “Camus, an atheist and Sartre, an atheist began to search for life’s meaning”(Philosophy, Existentialism). Existentialism has created a lot of controversy and rubbed people the wrong way with religious beliefs, but still exists today and is branched out more towards an atheist approach. The steps to existentialism have been made and not altered, as free will is the main goal toward existentialism. It is argued existentialism is the most humanistic approach of life, but it is all on perspective.

Burnham, Douglas "Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy." //Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy//. Web. 3 Feb. 2015.

"Existentialism." //AllAboutPhilosophy.org//. N.p., 2002. Web. 2 Feb. 2015.

Aim - efren barron



Existentialism is a way of life which people follow where they look inward for happiness instead of outside. Yet, many speculate that existentialism does not have a end goal but to live life not worrying about the external world. If happiness comes then it comes and if it doesn’t then it doesn’t. An online article on existentialist states, “ meaning is not automatic and we must seek it, and we are subject to loneliness, meaninglessness, guilt and isolation” (“Existentialist”). Existentialist face three problems when following the lifestyle of existentialism. A frustrations within them causes many to be unable to fully reach existentialism because the external world plays such big role in their life. This is what existentialist want to get away from and become liberated from the external views. A major purpose within existentialism is for oneself to define what human nature is. Human nature is chosen through life decisions and not through outside pressures (“Philosophy”). At the end of the day, existentialist are trying to achieve happiness by existing first and defining their life later. It is a selfish way of life but it is accepting that the universe does not care about one and then one should live life with true freedom.

“Existentialism Therapy.” //Psychology Campus. PsychologyCampus.com//. n.d. Web. 2 February 2015. “Philosophy: Existentialism.” //All About Philosophy//. 23 March 2010. Web. 2 February 2015.

Cultural - Sophia Phillips



The concept of Existentialism is difficult to understand in Western countries because of the cultural beliefs that contradict it. French Existentialism first came into Western culture due to the “prestige and respect” that some nations or cultures, such as France, are given in America (Cotkin 1). Thus, in the same way that French (or other European) fashion and movies become popular in the US, Existentialism essentially had its beginnings as a fad. However, the fixation towards Existentialism and the reason as to why it still has a presence in the country is because “we do not have explanations for all things by empirical means [...] How we regard what we do not know [...] plays a big part in the way we carry ourselves” (Sanderson 11). Human beings, though hypothesists and philosophers, can only speculate all reasons and meanings in their existence besides one absolute truth: that all people who come into being will also one day cease to be. Specifically in the Western hemisphere, most hypotheses lead to religion (Christianity) and finding recognition and meaning through government, society, and law systems. When individuals willingly disregard the rules set forth and risk punishment for the sake of self-realization, it both questions the strength and validity of the system by creating skepticism in what is truly “right.” However, many accept the reward/consequence systems in place and accept the meaning that they are told their lives possess. Thus, Existentialism is often viewed in a negative light in Western nations because it debases the standards set in place while taking away that which people have been taught to believe is both necessary and inherent: meaning.

Works Cited Cotkin, George. "French Existentialism and American Popular Culture, 1945-1948." //Calpoly.edu//. Digital Commons, n.d. Web. 3 Feb. 2015. Sanderson, Gavin. "Existentialism, Globalisation and the Cultural Other." //International Education Journal// 4.4 (2004): 11. Web. 3 Feb 2015.