The Absurdity of Life and Existentialism
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School
Stuyvesant High School**We aren't endorsed by this school
Course
ENGLISH EES88CEE
Subject
Philosophy
Date
Dec 16, 2024
Pages
1
Uploaded by PrivateLion4883
The Absurdity of Life and Existentialism's LegacyAlbert Camus, another key existentialist thinker, explored the theme of life's absurdity in his essay The Myth of Sisyphus. Camus argued that human beings inherently seek meaning in life, but the universe itself is indifferent, offering no inherent purpose. This conflict creates what Camus called the "absurd," the gap between humans’ desire for meaning and the universe’s meaninglessness. In response to this absurdity, Camus proposed that individuals must accept the lack of inherent meaning and continue to live with full awareness of this absurdity. He advocated for a life of rebellion against the absurd by embracing the present moment and living authentically.Camus used the figure of Sisyphus, condemned by the gods to endlessly push a boulder uphill only for it to roll back down, as a metaphor for the human condition. Despite the futility of his task, Sisyphus finds a form of freedom and fulfillment in his struggle. In this same way, Camus suggested that humans can still create their own meaning, even in the face of life’s apparent meaninglessness.Existentialism's emphasis on individual responsibility and freedom challenges traditional moral systems that rely on external authorities such as religion or society. Existentialists argue that the individual must create their own values and live authentically, free from self-deception and societal constraints. While existentialism has been criticized for its emphasis on individualism, it has left a lasting impact on various fields, including literature, psychology, and theology, inspiring works by figures like Franz Kafka, Michel Foucault, and Viktor Frankl.
