Draft:Outline of existentialism

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The following outline is provided as an overview of and topical guide to existentialism:

Existentialism is a family of philosophical views and inquiry that explore the human individual's struggle to lead an authentic life despite the apparent absurdity or incomprehensibility of existence. In examining meaning, purpose, and value, existentialist thought often includes concepts such as existential crises, angst, courage, and freedom.

What type of thing is existentialism?

Existentialism can be described as all of the following:

a branch of philosophy
- a branch of continental philosophy
- a philosophical school

Branches of existentialism

History of existentialism

Metaphysical and ontological concepts

Existence precedes essence – the claim that human existence precedes any defined essence or identity.
Being in itself – concept central to Sartre’s ontology describing non-conscious being.
Facticity – the concrete details against which human freedom exists and is limited.
The Other – the recognition and confrontation with other consciousnesses.
Abandonment – the realization that there is no external source of moral guidance.

Human condition and psychology

Existential crisis – a period of deep questioning about life’s meaning or purpose.
Angst – a deep, general sense of anxiety about one’s freedom and isolation.
Absurdism – the belief in the conflict between the human search for meaning and the universe’s lack of it.
Meaning and the meaning of life
Nihilism – the rejection of inherent meaning or value in life.

Ethics and authenticity

Authenticity – living in accordance with one’s self, rather than external expectations.
Bad faith – self-deception by denying one’s freedom or responsibility.

Influences and related philosophies

Phenomenology (see also Existential phenomenology)
Nihilism
Humanism
Absurdism
Existential humanism
Continental philosophy

Existentialism in contemporary thought

Existential threats – modern use of “existential” to describe risks to humanity’s existence.
Existential psychology
Existential therapy
Existential feminism

Journals and periodicals

Existenz (journal) – journal covering philosophy, religion, politics, and the arts
Sartre Studies International
Stirrings Still – The International Journal of Existential Literature
Existential Analysis – published by The Society for Existential Analysis