One app for all your study abroad needs
There are several types of people in the world, which can be classified into two categories: existentialism and nihilism. Both of these terms are types of perspectives that people have in their lives. These two philosophical words differ in their nature, meaning and human condition. Both have an important part in building the modern world, but they approach the purpose of life from different meanings. This section will look at the concepts of existentialism and nihilism in detail. These terms can be helpful in the preparation of various civil examinations such as UPSC, SSC, and EPFO. Continue reading to enhance your knowledge about such topics.
Table of Contents
Philosophy of Existentialism
Existentialism is a philosophical movement that came up in the 19th and the 20th centuries. This concept emphasizes individuals’ freedom of choice and belief. It is concerned with the meaning of human life. Existentialism holds that humans exist first and then shape their own identities via their actions and choices.
Key Concepts of Existentialism
Existentialism focuses on the concepts that it follows. The key concepts of existentialism are listed below.
- Absurdity: The concept of absurdity is fundamental to the existentialist theory. It is a conflict between the human search for meaning in life and the universe’s meaningless nature. This tension is known as the absurdity.
- Freedom and Responsibility: Existentialism highlights people’s freedom to select their own life paths. However, with freedom comes responsibility. Because there are no guidelines for living life, each individual must make their own ethical and moral decisions and accept the consequences of their actions.
- Authenticity: Existentialists believe that one should accept the absurdity of life and embrace their freedom to create meaning. Only this will help them live authentically. The concept rejects social norms which dictate how people live and instead live according to their own will.
- Alienation and Isolation: Existentialists investigate the concept of alienation, which refers to being disconnected from the world or from oneself. This isolation comes from the belief that we are all alone in our experiences in the world and that no one will ever understand our inner world. This alienation might result in either anxiety or self-discovery.
Also Read: Main Branches of Philosophy
Influential Thinkers of Existentialism
There are various people who believe in the concept of existentialism. These people are known as existentialists. We have mentioned some of the influential thinkers of existentialism below.
- Friedrich Nietzsche: He is not a strict existentialist but his thought about the death of god and the need for individuals to create their own values influenced the existentialist world.
- Jean-Paul Sartre: Sartre’s various works focus on the nature of existence, freedom and consciousness. He famously declared that “existence precedes essence”, which promotes the existentialist’s world.
- Albert Camus: Camus explored the concept of the absurd and the human response to it. He argues that one should accept the absurdity without any hope of surpassing it.
Existentialism in Literature and Art
The concept of existentialism exists in various aspects of life. It influenced literature and art, with many writers and artists exploring existential themes.
- Existentialist literature often features questions of meaning, freedom and alienation.
- In art, existentialism influenced the abstract movement with artists like Jackson Pollock and Mark Rothko.
- These artists explore the meaning of a chaotic world through their art.
Philosophy of Nihilism
Nihilism is a philosophical movement that claims that life has no meaning, purpose or value. It rejects the established moral and social norms that dictate life. Nihilism has its roots in ancient philosophy but gained popularity in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Also Read: Scope Of Philosophy
Key Concepts of Nihilism
Nihilism focuses on the concept that life has no purpose or value. The important concepts are listed below.
- Meaninglessness: Nihilism states that life has no meaning. This might lead to feelings of despair, depending on how a person reacts to the realisation. Nihilists believe that traditional values, religious beliefs and moral systems are baseless and should be rejected.
- Epistemological Nihilism: This form of nihilism challenges the possibility of knowledge. It states that truth does not exist and that our perceptions and opinions are unreliable.
- Moral Nihilism: It claims that there is no moral truth. Morality and the concepts of good or bad are subjective. Moral judgements are considered meaningless in the absence of an external source of morality.
- Existential Nihilism: Existential nihilism is the most well-known form of nihilism, which states that life is meaningless. Unlike existentialism, which seeks to create meaning through individual freedom, existential nihilism argues that attempts to discover the meaning of life are ultimately useless.
- Political Nihilism: This form of nihilism rejects political and social institutions as corrupt. This aims to demolish existing institutions of power and authority.
Influential Thinkers of Nihilism
Several people believe in the concept of Nihilism These people are known as nihilists. We have mentioned some of the influential thinkers of Nihilism below.
- Martin Heidegger: Heidegger explored the concept of “being toward death, which focuses on the inevitability of death which makes the purpose of life futile.
- Friedrich Nietzsche: Nietzsche is often associated with nihilism. He famously declared that ‘God is dead’ which reflects the collapse of traditional religious and moral values in the modern world.
- Arthur Schopenhauer: Even though Arthur is not a strict nihilist, his view on life filled with suffering and lack of meaning has been linked to nihilistic ideas.
Nihilism in Literature And Art
Nihilistic themes have been explored in Literature and Art. Franz Kafka, who wrote “The Trial” is a prime example of existential and nihilistic literature.
- In art, nihilism has been expressed through movements like Dadaism which rejected traditional values
- According to the nihilistic belief, all the established norms of art and culture have no value.
Difference Between Existentialism and Nihilism
Existentialism and nihilism share many similarities but also differ in various ways. The comparison between these two terms is mentioned below.
- Response to Meaninglessness: Existentialism states the absence of meaning in life but argues that individuals can create their own meaning through actions. Nihilism states that all attempts to find the meaning of life are futile, rejecting all values and norms.
- Freedom and Responsibility: Existentialism emphasizes personal freedom and responsibility whereas Nihilism denies the significance of freedom.
- Attitude Toward Life: Existentialism can be seen as a more optimistic way of life leading to self-discovery. In contrast, Nihilism is perceived as pessimistic focusing on the absence of meaning.
Existentialism and nihilism are two perspectives on philosophy that challenge our concepts of existence, purpose and morality. They share certain similarities but also differ in others. Both concepts continue to influence contemporary art and raise fundamental questions about what it means to live a meaningful life.
Related Posts
FAQs
Existentialism is a philosophical movement that came up in the 19th and the 20th centuries. This concept emphasises individuals’ freedom of choice and belief. It is concerned with the meaning of human life. Existentialism holds that humans exist first and then shape their own identities via their actions and choices.
Nihilism is a philosophical movement that claims that life has no meaning, purpose or value. It rejects the established moral and social norms that dictate life. Nihilism has its roots in ancient philosophy but gained popularity in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Friedrich Nietzsche is the founder of Nihilism. He famously declared that ‘God is dead’ which reflects the collapse of traditional religious and moral values in the modern world.
This was all about the “Existentialism and Nihilism”. For more such informative blogs, check out our UPSC Exams Section and Study Material Section, or you can learn more about us by visiting our Indian exams page.