Existentialism Flashcards
1
Q
When and where did existentialism originate?
A
- France, 1940s onwards
2
Q
Who are some of the most influential playwrights of the existentialist movement?
A
- Jean-Paul Sartre
- Albert Camus
3
Q
Who was influenced by existentialism?
A
- many writers worldwide
- (including Athol Fugard in South Africa)
4
Q
What is the existential belief about existence?
A
existence comes before essence: there is no meaning to existence until the human being takes action and makes choices
5
Q
What does existentialism do?
A
- looks at the absurdity and irony of life
- makes us aware that we are responsible for finding all answers ourselves
- shows us there are no universal rules
6
Q
What is the existential belief about freedom?
A
freedom is an act of human will, but we are condemned to this freedom - we have freedom of choice, but we are responsible for the consequences of our choices
7
Q
What does existentialism focus on?
A
- isolation and despair in modern world
- meaninglessness
- absurdity
- inevitable devaluation of ideals, purity and purpose
8
Q
What kind of universe is depicted through existentialism?
A
- an irrational, illogical universe
