Defining Existentialism
Name _______________
Part A
Directions: Read the following information.
Despite encompassing a staggering range of philosophical, religious, and political
ideologies, the underlying ideas of existentialism are simple.
Existential Concepts
1. Mankind has free will.
2. Life is a series of choices, creating stress.
3. Few decisions are without any negative consequences.
4. Some things are irrational or absurd, without explanation.
5. One must follow through on a decision in order for it to be considered a
decision.
Existentialism can be considered a combination of several areas of thought within
philosophy.
Areas of Philosophic Thought
 Ethics
The ides of how people ought to behave has been a question for ages. What is
right? What is wrong? The answer is determined by many factors, such as,
cultural norms traditions, and individual choice. Any time individuals ponder a
moral decision they are, in effect, engaging in ethical philosophy.
 Metaphysics
The study of metaphysics can be divided into three sections. The first grapples
with the question of the nature of reality. How do we know that is real and what is
imaginary. If it is real, what is it made of? The second centers on the subject of
permanence and change. If everything changes is anything permanent? If
something is permanent, how can it be part of a system that changes? The third
deals with two added questions raised in metaphysics: the mind-body problem
(are the mind and body one entity or are the separate?) and the debate of free will
versus determinism.
 Epistemology
Epistemology is the study of knowledge which focuses on several questions. How
do we know what we know? What is the difference between knowledge, opinions,
and beliefs? How is knowledge acquired? The most fundamental issue of
epistemology is whether the basis of all knowledge starts with our senses, called
empiricism, or whether the basis of all knowledge starts with the mind, called
rationalism.
Part B.
List the area of philosophic thought that corresponds to each existential concept. (There
may be more than one area for a concept.) Give reasons to support your answers.
1. Concept: Mankind has free will.
2. Concept: Life is a series of choice, creating stress.
3. Concept: Few decisions are without any negative consequences.
4. Concept: Some things are irrational or absurd, without explanation.
5. Concept: If one makes a decision, he or she must follow through.