What is existentialism definition?

Existentialism is a philosophical view that emphasizes the individual's experience of existence in the world and the search for meaning and purpose in life. It originated in the 19th and 20th centuries, and its main proponents were Jean-Paul Sartre, Martin Heidegger, Friedrich Nietzsche, and Albert Camus, among others.

Existentialism is often associated with the experience of anxiety, uncertainty, and freedom. It asserts that free will and individual choice are essential to human life and that there is no predetermined meaning to existence. Human beings must create their own meaning and purpose in life through their actions and choices.

The central themes of existentialism include the absurdity of human life, the inevitability of death, the search for meaning, the experience of alienation, and the importance of personal responsibility. Many existentialist thinkers are also concerned with the relationship between the individual and society, particularly in the face of social conformity and oppression.

Existentialism has influenced many fields, including literature, psychology, and sociology. Some of its key concepts, such as authenticity, freedom, and individuality, continue to be relevant to contemporary discussions of personal identity and social justice.