Existentialism

During 18th century the age of Enlightenment brought individual's seeking to gain knowledge, and understanding the world around them. In 19th century people were getting more aware of nationalism, by the 20th century people began to more concerned about human existence, trying to find the reasons for living and finding the ways to live a purposeful life through different outlook. "Man cannot escape from the sense of complete and profound responsibility.... one ought always to ask oneself what would happen if everyone did as one is doing". (Pg774 in our textbook) " Existentialism " is that new philosophical thought that there is no meaning to existence, no universal right or wrong for anyone until individual seek the truth (which I believe the reasons) through their individuals 'experiences, thoughts, and emotions.

http://www.thecry.com/existentialism/index.html This websites is full of fascinating ideas and insights of the human existence and how this new mental application works by questioning one self's individuality and existence. I found the concept little difficult to understand. I will definitely recommend the site to others. From my understanding Jean Paul Sartre argues that individuals are born and they simply exist. They must make their own choices and define their own purpose and values as well as take responsibilities of their own actions. The important tenets of existentialism are becoming a being, nothingness, absurd, good faith, choice, and angst. From what I am gathering it seems that the underlying concept are as below:

1) Human has free will

2) We have series of choices, creating stress.

3) There is no knowable truth

4) Some things are irrational and absurd without any explanation.

5) Possible Dread, anxiety and insecurity feelings will be evident, but one must follow through the decision one makes.

The most prominent existentialist thinkers of 1900 include the French writer Albert Camus, John Paul Sartre, German philosopher Karl Jasper, and Martin Heidegar.

Existentialism is a revolt against the traditional European philosophy that relies fully on the natural science or the code of moral. De-colonization, war, mass death, decline of the traditional standard of morality, religious beliefs forced western European to reexamined themselves and their civilization, Existentialism is born amid these horrors. After reading the ideas about this new school of thought, I am getting an understanding that how the west look into the individual rights. Existentialism is just another building blocks to shape the western world. The principles of this notion are found today in countries like United States and European political parties and in western philosophy.