Free Printable Worksheets for learning Existentialism at the College level

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Existentialism

Existentialism is a philosophical movement that emphasizes individual experience, freedom, choice, and the search for meaning in life. It emerged in the 20th century in response to growing disillusionment with traditional philosophical and religious beliefs.

Key Concepts

Existence precedes Essence: This means that individuals must create their own meaning in life, rather than being born with a predetermined purpose or essence.
Authenticity: Living an authentic life means being true to oneself and taking responsibility for one's choices and actions. It requires the courage to face the uncertainty and anxiety inherent in human existence.
Anxiety and Angst: Existentialist thinkers emphasize the importance of living with and accepting anxiety and angst, rather than trying to escape or deny these feelings.
Freedom and Choice: Existentialism rejects deterministic views of human existence and emphasizes the importance of individual freedom and choice in shaping one's own life.

Key Thinkers

Jean-Paul Sartre: French philosopher and writer, best known for his philosophy of existentialism and his play No Exit.
Friedrich Nietzsche: German philosopher who criticized the traditional values of Western civilization and argued for the importance of individual creativity and self-realization.
Martin Heidegger: German philosopher who emphasized the intimate connection between human existence and the world in which we live.

Applications

Existentialist ideas have influenced a wide range of fields, including literature, psychology, and politics. Existentialist themes can be found in the works of authors like Franz Kafka and Albert Camus, as well as in the theories of psychologists like Rollo May and Viktor Frankl.

Takeaways

Existentialism emphasizes the importance of individual choice and responsibility in creating a meaningful life.
Anxiety and uncertainty are inevitable parts of the human experience, and should be embraced rather than avoided.
Authenticity requires the courage to face one's fears and accept the challenges of living with uncertainty.

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Word	Definition
Existentialism	A philosophical theory that emphasizes individual existence, freedom, and choice
Absurd	Contrary to reason, common sense, or logic
Angst	A feeling of deep anxiety or dread, typically an unfocused one about the human condition or the state of the world
Authenticity	The quality of being authentic or genuine
Alienation	The state of feeling isolated or separated
Camus	French philosopher, author, and journalist who contributed to the rise of the philosophy of existentialism
Despair	The complete loss or absence of hope
Dasein	The being or existence of an individual
Existence	The fact or state of living
Freedom	The power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint
Heidegger	German philosopher and seminal thinker of existentialism
Humanism	A rationalist outlook or system of thought attaching prime importance to human rather than divine or supernatural matter
Individualism	The habit or principle of being independent and self-reliant
Isolation	The state of feeling separated from others or alone
Kierkegaard	Danish philosopher, theologian, and religious author who is widely considered to be the first existentialist
Nihilism	The rejection of all religious and moral principles
Phenomenology	The study of structures of consciousness as experienced from the first-person point of view
Sartre	French philosopher, playwright, novelist, and literary critic who is widely considered to be the father of existentialism
The Absurd	A fundamental concept in existentialism referring to the conflict between the human tendency to seek inherent value and the apparent meaninglessness of the universe

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Study Guide: Existentialism

Introduction

Existentialism is a philosophical movement that deals with the individual's existence, freedom, and choice. It focuses on the meaning of human existence and the subjective experience of being alive. It emerged after World War II and continues to influence modern thoughts, literature, and art.

Key Concepts

Authenticity: to live an authentic life is to embrace your individuality and take responsibility for your choices.
Freedom: the freedom to choose and the responsibility that comes with it is central to existentialism.
Existential angst: the feeling of anxiety, dread, or despair that arises from the realization of one's own mortality and the meaninglessness of existence.
Absurdity: the idea that life is ultimately meaningless and irrational, and that the search for meaning is futile.

Key Thinkers

Jean-Paul Sartre: a French philosopher who popularized existentialism through his books and plays, and emphasized the individual's freedom and responsibility for their choices.
Martin Heidegger: a German philosopher who emphasized the importance of being-in-the-world, and the individual's search for authenticity and meaning.
Friedrich Nietzsche: a German philosopher who rejected traditional morality and religion, and emphasized the importance of individualism and self-creation.

Applications of Existentialism

Psychology: Existentialist ideas have influenced psychotherapy by emphasizing the importance of understanding the individual's subjective experience.
Literature: Many literary works, such as Albert Camus' 'The Stranger', deal with existentialist themes of meaninglessness and absurdity.
Politics: Existentialist ideas have influenced political thought, particularly in the critique of totalitarian regimes and the defense of individual freedom.

Criticisms of Existentialism

Religious and moral objections: Many criticize existentialism for rejecting traditional morality and religion.
Pessimistic view of life: Some argue that the emphasis on absurdity and existential angst is overly pessimistic and ignores the potential for joy and fulfillment in life.
Political implications: Some argue that the emphasis on individual freedom and the rejection of objective meaning can lead to relativism and a lack of social responsibility.

Conclusion

Existentialism is a rich and complex movement that continues to influence modern thought and culture. By understanding its key concepts and thinkers, you can deepen your understanding of human existence and the meaning of life.

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Practice Sheet for Existentialism

Question 1

Define what it means to be an existentialist.

Question 2

Explain the concept of freedom and choice in existentialism.

Question 3

What are the three characteristics of human existence according to existentialism?

Question 4

Define the concept of bad faith as discussed in existentialism.

Question 5

What is the difference between authentic existence and inauthentic existence based on existentialism?

Question 6

Discuss the role of anxiety in existentialism.

Question 7

Explain the existentialist view of death.

Question 8

What is the role of relationships in existentialism?

Question 9

Explain the concept of situatedness in existential thought.

Question 10

Discuss an example in which one might apply existentialist principles to their daily life.

Existentialism Practice Sheet

Sample Problem

Question: What is the concept of Existentialism?

Answer: Existentialism is a philosophical movement that emphasizes individual existence, freedom, and choice. It focuses on the individual's experience of the Absurd and how individuals can find meaning in life despite the lack of an objective meaning. Existentialists believe that each individual is solely responsible for their own choices and actions, and that they are free to make their own decisions and determine their own fate.

Practice Problems

What are the four main themes of Existentialism?
What is the concept of the Absurd?
How does Existentialism view the concept of death?
What is the concept of authenticity in Existentialism?
What is the concept of freedom in Existentialism?
What is the concept of meaning in Existentialism?
What is the concept of responsibility in Existentialism?
What is the concept of nihilism in Existentialism?
What is the concept of alienation in Existentialism?
What is the concept of despair in Existentialism?

Existentialism Practice Sheet

What is Existentialism?

What is the philosophical movement of Existentialism?
What are the main ideas of Existentialism?
Who are some of the key figures in Existentialism?
What are some of the key texts in Existentialism?

Existentialism and the Human Condition

What is the concept of existence precedes essence and what does it mean?
How does Existentialism view the human condition?
What role does freedom and choice play in Existentialism?
What is the concept of angst and how is it related to Existentialism?

Existentialism and the Human Subject

What is the concept of authenticity and how is it related to Existentialism?
What is the concept of the absurd and how is it related to Existentialism?
How does Existentialism view the relationship between the human subject and the world?
What is the concept of commitment and how is it related to Existentialism?

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Quiz: Existentialism

Instructions: In each of the following questions, write a short answer in response.

Problem	Answer
What are the three main themes of existentialism?	Existence, freedom, and authenticity are the three main themes of existentialism.
Who are the major philosophers associated with existentialism?	The major philosophers associated with existentialism include Jean-Paul Sartre, Martin Heidegger, and Friedrich Nietzsche.
What does it mean for an individual to experience existential anxiety?	Existential anxiety is a feeling of unease or dread that arises when one is confronted with the fundamental questions of existence, such as the meaning of life, death, and the ultimate purpose of one's existence.
What is the relation between existentialism and religion?	Many existentialist thinkers reject traditional religious beliefs, arguing that they are meaningless and do not provide adequate responses to existential questions. However, some existentialist philosophers such as Kierkegaard have sought to reconcile existentialism with religion.
What is the difference between being-in-itself and being-for-itself in existentialism?	Being-in-itself refers to objects that exist in the world as they are, without any consciousness or self-awareness. Being-for-itself, on the other hand, refers to human beings who are self-aware and conscious of their own existence.
What is the concept of thrownness in Heidegger's existentialism?	Thrownness refers to the idea that human beings are thrown into the world, without any control over their existence or circumstances. It reflects the idea that existence is inherently uncertain and that individuals must confront their own mortality and the randomness of life.
How does Sartre define bad faith?	According to Sartre, bad faith is the act of denying one's own freedom and responsibility, and instead assuming that one's actions are determined by external factors or social structures. It involves convincing oneself that one is not free, when in fact one has the power to determine one's own destiny.
What is the absurd, according to Camus?	The absurd is the conflict between the human desire for meaning and the universe's lack of inherent meaning. Camus argued that this conflict could not be resolved and that the only response was to embrace life and create one's own meaning, even in the face of absurdity.
What is existential psychotherapy?	Existential psychotherapy is a form of therapy that focuses on helping individuals confront and work through existential issues such as death, meaninglessness, and freedom. It emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and self-reflection in order to discover one's own sense of purpose and meaning in life.
What is the role of the individual in creating meaning in existentialism?	In existentialism, the individual is responsible for creating their own meaning and purpose in life. This involves accepting the inherent uncertainty and ambiguity of existence, and making choices that reflect one's own values and priorities.

Problem	Answer
What is the definition of Existentialism?	Existentialism is a philosophical movement that emphasizes individual existence, freedom, and choice. It holds that human beings define their own meaning in life, and try to make rational decisions despite existing in an irrational universe.
What is the main idea of Existentialism?	The main idea of Existentialism is that human beings are responsible for creating their own values and meaning in life. This is done through making choices, taking risks, and accepting responsibility for the consequences of those choices.
What is the difference between Existentialism and other philosophical movements?	Existentialism differs from other philosophical movements in that it emphasizes individual existence and freedom, rather than relying on external sources of meaning and structure. It also focuses on the individual's experience of the world, rather than abstract concepts.
What is the role of God in Existentialism?	The role of God in Existentialism is not as important as it is in other philosophical movements. Existentialists believe that humans are responsible for creating their own values and meaning in life, rather than relying on an external source such as God.
What is the importance of death in Existentialism?	Death is an important concept in Existentialism, as it serves to remind humans of their mortality and the need to make meaningful choices in life. Existentialists believe that death should be embraced as a part of life, and that it should be used as a motivator to make meaningful choices.
What is the concept of authenticity in Existentialism?	Authenticity is the idea that an individual should strive to live an honest and genuine life, rather than conforming to society's expectations or norms. Existentialists believe that living an authentic life is the only way to truly find meaning and purpose.
What is the concept of angst in Existentialism?	Angst is the feeling of anxiety or dread that comes from the realization of one's mortality and the uncertainty of the future. It is a common emotion experienced by Existentialists, as they strive to make meaningful choices in life despite the lack of a predetermined structure or meaning.
What is the concept of absurdity in Existentialism?	The concept of absurdity in Existentialism refers to the idea that life is ultimately meaningless and irrational. Existentialists believe that life is absurd, and that humans must accept this and strive to create meaning and purpose in their own lives.
What is the concept of commitment in Existentialism?	Commitment is the idea that an individual should strive to make meaningful choices and take responsibility for the consequences of those choices. Existentialists believe that commitment is necessary in order to live a meaningful life.
What is the concept of freedom in Existentialism?	The concept of freedom in Existentialism is the idea that humans are free to make their own choices and define their own meaning in life. Existentialists believe that this freedom is both a blessing and a curse, as it can lead to both positive and negative outcomes.

Questions	Answers
What is the main idea of Existentialism?	Existentialism is a philosophical movement that emphasizes individual existence, freedom, and choice. It holds that human beings define their own meaning in life, and try to make rational decisions despite existing in an irrational universe.
Who are some of the main Existentialist thinkers?	Some of the main Existentialist thinkers include Søren Kierkegaard, Friedrich Nietzsche, Jean-Paul Sartre, Albert Camus, and Martin Heidegger.
What is the concept of “the absurd” in Existentialism?	The concept of “the absurd” in Existentialism refers to the idea that life is ultimately meaningless and that the individual is alone in the universe, with no higher power or authority to provide meaning or guidance.
What is the concept of “authenticity” in Existentialism?	The concept of “authenticity” in Existentialism refers to the idea that an individual should strive to be true to themselves, and live a life that is consistent with their own values and beliefs.
What is the concept of “existential dread” in Existentialism?	The concept of “existential dread” in Existentialism refers to the feeling of anxiety and fear that arises from the realization of the individual’s freedom and responsibility. It is the recognition that one must make decisions without guidance from a higher power or authority.
What is the concept of “angst” in Existentialism?	The concept of “angst” in Existentialism refers to the feeling of anxiety and dread that arises from the recognition of one’s freedom and responsibility. It is the fear of making the wrong decisions and the fear of being alone in the universe.
What is the concept of “existentialism” in Existentialism?	The concept of “existentialism” in Existentialism refers to the idea that life has no inherent meaning and that it is up to the individual to create meaning in their life. It is the belief that each individual is responsible for their own actions and decisions, and must make choices without guidance from a higher power or authority.
What is the concept of “nihilism” in Existentialism?	The concept of “nihilism” in Existentialism refers to the idea that life is ultimately meaningless and that there is no higher power or authority to provide meaning or guidance. It is the belief that life is ultimately without purpose or value.
What is the concept of “freedom” in Existentialism?	The concept of “freedom” in Existentialism refers to the idea that individuals are free to make their own choices and decisions, and that they are responsible for the consequences of their actions. It is the belief that individuals must take responsibility for their own lives and make decisions without guidance from a higher power or authority.
What is the concept of “responsibility” in Existentialism?	The concept of “responsibility” in Existentialism refers to the idea that individuals are responsible for their own actions and decisions, and must take responsibility for the consequences of their actions. It is the belief that individuals must make choices without guidance from a higher power or authority.