Exploring Existentialism: Defining Authenticity and Human Existence

Abstract

Instructor’s Name Curse Number Introduction Soren Kierkegaard is considered the first philosopher to talk about existentialism, a Danish philosopher in the 19th century, and also an expert in literature and theology. Existentialists gained momentum and its study was preceded by the works of philosophers such as Friedrich Nietzsche. However, it became a distinct philosophy in the 20th century, with the works of existentialist philosophers such as Jean-Paul Sartre, Albert Camus, and Martin Heidegger (Aho, 2020). Existentialism is a philosophical terminology that recognizes that the whole fabric of life is attributed to one’s thoughts and actions. It stresses human existence and individual choice and suffering in fulfilling their life’s purpose. Its most act of concern is on the individual and their experiences with the world. The basic terms used by existentialists in presenting their arguments include; authenticity, existence precede essence, absurdity, and freedom and responsibility. Jean-Paul Sartre instigates in existentialism that persistence exceeds essence. This analogy means that a human being is born, turns up to the scene and after that, they define themselves. Man begins from nothing creating something in the end. For instance, man has to have a concrete plan for his life; with this, he exists fulfilling his wishes and desires without any other party other than themselves. With this saying there is no human prototype, to which humanity conforms, but understanding the existence of humanity would require God to know it. Existentialists are very suspicious of religion accounting it as a predicament in understanding identity and personhood (Fox, 2017). This criticizes religion in that it must first address identity. Heidegger and Sartre describe an individual on the perception of self-reflection for instance, man’s greatest concern is to develop the best intentions and character that conforms to their lives through their actions. Satre asserts that human reality ‘is not what it is and is what it is not’. Existentialists describe human nature as self-conscious, in that human beings have the freedom to engage in whatever excites them. Human nature is obliged to create its own meaning about life and be authentic about what it believes in by accepting themselves and embracing self-awareness. Life is not smooth and existentialists acknowledge that human beings will face uncertainties and complexities that will crumble them. In this essence, emotions such as ambush, anxiety, depression, and amusement intercept their lives. Existentialists believe that a person exists from birth to death and nothing comes before birth or death. Amid these two seasons of life is the social life that is surrounded by life circumstances that unfold characterized by bewilderment, uncertainty, horror, and dread which is eventually limited by death. This paper provides an argument on the viability of the philosophical argument of existentialism and the real world application in the contemporary world. Existentialist philosophers and their Arguments Soren Kierkegaard, who is considered a father of philosophy stressed the concept of individuality and authenticity. In his famous quote “The most common form of despair is not being who you are, “he shows the importance of chasing goals and dreams by pacing personality and reality at the forefront. Friedrich Nietzsche believed that men in society are divided according to their capacities and willingness to participate in life’s spiritual and cultural transformations. This philosopher criticizes those individuals who are unable to challenge their fundamental beliefs. He valued the concept of ‘exceptional’ as an important beginning and understanding of the mission of thought. He stressed individuality and greatness and becoming the best version of oneself” Become who you are.’ This philosopher celebrates personal excellence and stresses on authenticity and novelty of an individual. he also affirms the will to power in an individual that pushes them to express their authenticity, overcome obstacles, and fulfill their dreams. Paris Jean-Paul Sartre in his famous lecture ‘Existentialism is Humanism’ defines how man’s actions define human nature affirming the priority of individual existence. He affirms the priority of existence over essence and man as the uppermost and the most superb of the determinate beings. He bestows responsibility on man and all themes in the context of existentialism are described in his work he laments that "Man is condemned to be free; because once thrown into the world, he is responsible for everything he does." Man is free to choose their actions and is responsible for the consequences caused. Albert Camus's center of concern In his philosophical work is the absurdity of human experience. He regards life as completely absurd because human nature has a desire to find the universe yet it is deemed meaningless and he believes that the only way to create a meaningful life is to embrace absurdity. Simone de Beauvoir was a feminist philosopher who emphasized the importance of individuality and the responsibility of one's choices. She asserts that anyone born, becomes a woman and as a woman, they should be accorded with dignity and intelligence. She laments that she is very intelligent, loving, and resourceful and she trusts her instincts and desires as an existentialist. Arguments on Existentialism Philosophy Authenticity and Personal Responsibility Today the work is characterized by fakeness, inauthenticity, and social conformations which does not go well with existentialists. Authenticity means being true to oneself by owning up to individuality. Many times, human beings disown themselves and trample the truth and reality that is ahead of them. It starts by grasping the seriousness of one's existence (I exist analogy) and vowing to yield something in the ultimatum of life. Kierkegaard describes authenticity as ‘infinite passion’ in one’s life. Existentialism relates its assertions with eternal occurrences, for instance, there is nothing new under the sun, and everything that happens will happen again and again with this definition human beings can own up to their lives and terms and live without regrets and tribulations of how they could change their situations or wishes on how things could be different. Authenticity in existential disputes the idea of following a certain moral code but pertains to what an individual has ascertained to do. For instance, a person can choose to be a liberal or a conservative, a revolutionist, or a conforming citizen. It doesn’t matter what path it takes to engage but instead, it must involve self-cultivation as opposed to stipulations bound to ethics. Kierkegaard, the father of philosophy asserts that at the ultimatum of self-cultivation human beings will have to “transcend the ethical’ attributes that human nature will have to chase their dreams and goals even though it is not ethical to do it. Existentialists agree that owning up to one’s existence and authenticity of one's beliefs and dreams builds identity and confidence on own voice. Freedom and Responsibility Freedom and responsibility refer to owning up to one's actions and working hard to better and change a situation subjectively. Existentialists dispute a shared life, a situation where one’s choices are determined by past choices which end up defining one’s future. They instigate that human beings have the ability to transcend any situation and take stans on their lives. In confronting situations of everyday life, human beings have to make a choice. Sartre believes that is self-deception to force oneself into doing something that does not grant them freedom and responsibility of their lives. For instance, it is absurd for a human being to go to work every day working for money and duty without certainty of satisfaction. Existentialists believe that one must not be compelled to be a conscientious worker, but must let go of deciding factors that are automatic and habitual and embrace free choices and responsibility. Absurdity Absurdity explains existentialist philosophy with the contradiction of human desires and the meaningless life accorded to man. The world is indifferent, and the absurd seeks to understand human beings trying to find meaning in a world that is indifferent and chaotic. Existence precedes Essence Existentialists believe that individuals create their own identity through their choices and actions. An individual life is not predetermined but evolves through personal experience and reflection. The idea of personal creation is creating and defining one’s meaning in life. As an individual is born, they sparkle unique traits and capacities that mold them int. being the best versions of themselves. Philosophers such as Jean-Paul Sartre, Albert Camus, and Friedrich Nietzsche emphasized the significance of an individual and choice. It rejects the norm...