Existentialism

Question 1

Main Ideas of Existentialism

Answer 1

• Self Examination/ Self Discovery
• Decision Making
• Meaning of Life
• Understanding of purpose of existence
• Opposed to Nihilism

Question 2

Proponents of Existentialism

Answer 2

Jaques Derrida
Michel Foucault
Jean Baudrillard
Franz Fanon

Jean-Paul Sartre
Frederick Niezsche

Question 3

What Question does Existentialism ask?

Answer 3

What is the meaning of life

Question 4

Describe Existentialism

Answer 4

1. Need to find meaning existence & life ourselves.
2. Shouldn’t be told what lives mean - freedom of choice very important
3. Not one meaning to life.
4. Should ask ourselves how we want to live life.
5. Cultures & Beliefs influence how people answer question.

Question 5

What would happen if we ignored Existentialism?

Answer 5

If we ignore existentialism we could live unexamined life which according to Socrates is not worth living.

Question 6

Advantages of Existentialism

Answer 6

• Question people’s ideas & values
• Be more open about ourselves
• Trust our instincts
• Identify fakes
• Enjoy life more

Question 7

Disadvantages of Existentialism

Answer 7

• May make us too trusting
• Can be confusing
• May lead to despair
• Can cause anger & helplessness
• May be disruptive

Question 8

What question does Black Existentialism ask?

Answer 8

What to do about an attitude of superiority and hatred towards blacks?

Question 9

Existentialism Teaching and Learning

Answer 9

Individuals should find own meaning in life

Question 10

Describe Nihilism

Answer 10

• Opposite of Existentialism
• Life has no purpose
• No soul
• Humans are insignificant
• Life is waste of time
• Strange because can make people violent & chaotic but can also make free (especially people from repressive religious backgrounds).