Deepening your journey
Welcome to our resources hub, a carefully curated collection of texts and concepts designed to enrich your understanding of existential philosophy. This is a space to explore, learn, and expand your perspective at your own pace.
Foundational texts of existentialism
Dive into the core works that define existential thought. Each entry provides a brief synopsis to guide your exploration.
Jean-Paul Sartre: Existentialism is a Humanism
Sartre's seminal lecture argues that existence precedes essence, meaning humans are born without inherent purpose and must create their own meaning through their choices and actions. It explores themes of freedom, responsibility, and anguish.
Simone de Beauvoir: The Second Sex
While primarily a work of feminist philosophy, Beauvoir applies existential principles to analyze the oppression of women, arguing that women, like all humans, are free to define themselves beyond societal expectations and roles.
Viktor Frankl: Man's Search for Meaning
Frankl recounts his experiences in Nazi concentration camps and introduces logotherapy, a psychotherapeutic approach centered on the idea that even in the most dire circumstances, humans can find meaning in life.
Albert Camus: The Myth of Sisyphus
Camus explores the concept of the absurd—the conflict between humanity's search for meaning and the universe's indifference. He famously concludes that one must embrace this absurdity and rebel against it by finding joy and meaning in life despite its ultimate pointlessness.
These texts are not mandatory for group participation but offer valuable insights for those wishing to deepen their understanding of existentialism as a philopshical approach to life.
Existential glossary
Navigate the complex terminology of existential philosophy with our dictionary of key terms:
Existence precedes essence: A central tenet of existentialism, meaning that humans are born without a pre-defined nature or purpose. We first exist, and then through our choices and actions, we create our own essence.
The absurd: The fundamental conflict between humanity's innate desire for meaning, order, and clarity, and the universe's inherent meaninglessness, irrationality, and silence.
Anguish: The feeling of profound responsibility that comes with absolute freedom, knowing that one's choices not only define oneself but also contribute to defining humanity.
Bad faith: A form of self-deception where individuals deny their radical freedom and responsibility, often by conforming to societal expectations or pretending to be objects rather than subjects.
Authenticity: Living in accordance with one's freedom and responsibility, making choices that are true to oneself rather than conforming to external pressures or self-deception.
Share your insights
Do you have a book, article, or video that has profoundly impacted your understanding of existentialism or finding meaning? We invite you to share your recommendations with the community. Please send your suggestions, along with a brief reason why you believe it's important, to our team.
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