Existentialist philosophy, a philosophy that developed in the 19th-20th century period, emphasizes personal freedom, free will, and personal experience. Central to this ideology is the belief that being precedes essence, implying that people create their own significance and purpose through their deeds. Philosophers of existentialism like Sartre and Friedrich Nietzsche contend that life is inherently meaningless, and it is up to each person to determine their own values in a apparently indifferent cosmos.
This philosophy questions established beliefs of determinism and the concept that life's significance is predefined. Rather, existentialist philosophy suggests that people must face the underlying absurdity of life and accept their autonomy to choose and act. This often leads to an existential dilemma, where persons grapple with emotions of unease and bewilderment as they encounter the void of inherent meaning. Nonetheless, it is through this dilemma that one can attain true existence by accepting responsibility for one's choices and establishing personal meaning.
Existentialist philosophy also examines ideas of alienation, despair, and the human experience. In a society where conventional beliefs and values are often scrutinized, existentialist thought provides a foundation for philosophy comprehending the nuances of human existence. By acknowledging the absence of absolute truths, existentialist philosophy urges people to exist vividly and genuinely, despite the doubts and difficulties of life. It is a invitation to accept the freedom and responsibility that come with being human, and to find meaning in an otherwise indifferent existence.