Paper Details

This paper delves into the rich philosophical landscape of existentialism, a movement that highlights the individual's quest for meaning, freedom, and authenticity in an indifferent or even hostile universe. Tracing its roots to the works of Søren Kierkegaard and Friedrich Nietzsche, existentialism challenges traditional norms and emphasizes subjective experience, personal choice, and the inherent absurdity of life. Through examining key themes such as the burden of freedom, the search for authenticity, and the confrontation with death, the paper outlines existentialism's core tenets and its insistence on the individual's responsibility to forge their own path. Featuring discussions on major figures in existentialism, including Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, Martin Heidegger, and Albert Camus, the paper highlights the enduring relevance of existentialist thought in addressing the complexities of modern existence. It argues that existentialism offers a potent framework for understanding human life, emphasizing personal transformation and the creation of meaning in a seemingly meaningless world. This exploration sheds light on existentialism's significant contribution to philosophy, literature, and the broader discourse on human nature and society.

Burden, authenticity, confrontation, absurdity