existentialism Flashcards
What is existentialism?
A philosophical movement focusing on individual existence, freedom, and choice.
True or False: Existentialism posits that existence precedes essence.
True
Who is considered the father of existentialism?
Søren Kierkegaard
Fill in the blank: Existentialism emphasizes the importance of _______.
individual experience
What does the term ‘absurd’ refer to in existentialist philosophy?
The conflict between human beings’ desire to find inherent meaning in life and the silent, indifferent universe.
Which existentialist philosopher wrote ‘Being and Nothingness’?
Jean-Paul Sartre
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT a key theme of existentialism? A) Freedom B) Isolation C) Determinism D) Authenticity
C) Determinism
True or False: Existentialism rejects the idea of objective morality.
True
What is the concept of ‘bad faith’ in existentialism?
The denial of one’s freedom and responsibility by blaming external factors.
Fill in the blank: _______ is often associated with existential angst.
Anxiety
Who wrote ‘The Myth of Sisyphus’?
Albert Camus
Multiple Choice: Which of the following existentialist philosophers is known for his work on existential ethics? A) Friedrich Nietzsche B) Martin Heidegger C) Simone de Beauvoir D) Karl Jaspers
C) Simone de Beauvoir
What is the significance of ‘the absurd’ in Camus’ philosophy?
It highlights the conflict between the human search for meaning and the meaningless universe.
True or False: Existentialism is primarily concerned with societal norms and collective values.
False
What does ‘existential dread’ refer to?
A feeling of unease and anxiety about one’s existence and freedom.
Fill in the blank: Existentialism often explores the theme of _______ in personal relationships.
alienation
Who is known for the phrase ‘I think, therefore I am’?
René Descartes
Multiple Choice: Which work is associated with Martin Heidegger? A) The Stranger B) Being and Time C) No Exit D) The Ethics of Ambiguity
B) Being and Time
What is ‘existential freedom’?
The idea that individuals are free to make choices and define their own existence.
True or False: Existentialism often endorses nihilism.
False
Fill in the blank: Existentialists argue that humans must create their own _______.
meaning
Who wrote ‘Existentialism is a Humanism’?
Jean-Paul Sartre
What is the role of ‘authenticity’ in existentialist thought?
Living in accordance with one’s true self and values, rather than conforming to societal expectations.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following concepts is central to Nietzsche’s philosophy? A) The Will to Power B) The Social Contract C) The Tabula Rasa D) The Categorical Imperative
A) The Will to Power
True or False: Existentialism is a unified philosophy with a single doctrine.
False
What does existentialism say about death?
It views death as a fundamental aspect of existence that gives life urgency and meaning.
Fill in the blank: _______ is a common theme in existential literature.
Isolation
Who is known for the concept of ‘the Other’?
Simone de Beauvoir
Multiple Choice: Existentialism is often contrasted with which philosophical tradition? A) Rationalism B) Empiricism C) Positivism D) All of the above
D) All of the above
True or False: Existentialists believe that life has inherent meaning.
False
What is the significance of choice in existentialism?
It emphasizes the individual’s responsibility to create meaning through their choices.
Fill in the blank: According to existentialists, individuals must confront their _______ to live authentically.
freedom
Who wrote ‘Nausea’?
Jean-Paul Sartre
Multiple Choice: Which philosopher is associated with the idea of ‘the eternal return’? A) Søren Kierkegaard B) Friedrich Nietzsche C) Albert Camus D) Martin Heidegger
B) Friedrich Nietzsche
True or False: Existentialism promotes a deterministic view of human behavior.
False
What is ‘existential nihilism’?
The belief that life is without objective meaning, purpose, or intrinsic value.
Fill in the blank: Existentialists often explore the concept of _______ as a response to an indifferent universe.
rebellion
Who is known for the existentialist idea of ‘the leap of faith’?
Søren Kierkegaard
Multiple Choice: Which existentialist concept involves the idea of living life as if it were to be repeated eternally? A) Absurdism B) Authenticity C) The eternal return D) Bad faith
C) The eternal return
True or False: Existentialism was primarily influenced by the Enlightenment.
False
What does ‘existential crisis’ refer to?
A moment of deep questioning about one’s existence, purpose, and values.
Fill in the blank: Existentialists advocate for _______ as a means to confront the absurd.
personal responsibility
Who wrote ‘The Ethics of Ambiguity’?
Simone de Beauvoir
Multiple Choice: Which of the following themes is NOT commonly associated with existential literature? A) Alienation B) Absurdity C) Optimism D) Freedom
C) Optimism
True or False: Existentialism encourages conformity to societal norms.
False
What role does ‘subjectivity’ play in existentialism?
It emphasizes the individual’s perspective and experience as central to understanding existence.
Fill in the blank: Existentialism asserts that humans are _______ to create their own values.
condemned
Who is associated with the concept of ‘existential choice’?
Jean-Paul Sartre
Multiple Choice: Which existentialist philosopher emphasized the importance of the ‘Other’? A) Søren Kierkegaard B) Jean-Paul Sartre C) Albert Camus D) Martin Heidegger
B) Jean-Paul Sartre
True or False: Existentialism denies the value of emotions in the human experience.
False
What is the concept of ‘the absurd hero’ in Camus’ philosophy?
A person who embraces the absurdity of life and continues to search for meaning despite it.
Fill in the blank: _______ is a significant theme in existentialist literature, often depicting characters in crisis.
Existential angst
Who wrote ‘The Stranger’?
Albert Camus
Multiple Choice: Which term describes the belief that existence is fundamentally meaningless? A) Nihilism B) Existentialism C) Absurdism D) Hedonism
A) Nihilism
True or False: Existentialism emphasizes collective identity over individual identity.
False
What does ‘existential authenticity’ involve?
Living in accordance with one’s true self and beliefs, rather than conforming to societal expectations.
Fill in the blank: In existentialism, the search for meaning is often seen as a _______ endeavor.
personal
Who is known for the phrase ‘God is dead’?
Friedrich Nietzsche
Multiple Choice: Which of the following existentialist themes is most closely related to freedom? A) Alienation B) Choice C) Despair D) All of the above
D) All of the above
True or False: Existentialism is primarily a religious philosophy.
False
What does ‘existential responsibility’ entail?
The idea that individuals are responsible for the consequences of their choices.
Fill in the blank: Existentialism often critiques _______ and its impact on individual freedom.
society
Who is associated with the term ‘the gaze’ in existentialist philosophy?
Jean-Paul Sartre
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of existentialist thought? A) Emphasis on individuality B) Belief in predetermined fate C) Focus on personal experience D) Exploration of meaning
B) Belief in predetermined fate
True or False: Existentialism encourages individuals to avoid making choices.
False
What is the relationship between existentialism and absurdism?
Absurdism is a branch of existentialism that specifically addresses the conflict between the human tendency to seek inherent value and the universe’s lack of it.
Fill in the blank: Existentialism often challenges traditional _______ frameworks.
philosophical
Who wrote ‘Being and Time’?
Martin Heidegger
Multiple Choice: Which existentialist philosopher is known for the concept of ‘thrownness’? A) Jean-Paul Sartre B) Martin Heidegger C) Albert Camus D) Simone de Beauvoir
B) Martin Heidegger
True or False: Existentialism denies the significance of human emotions.
False
What does the term ‘facticity’ refer to in existentialism?
The concrete details of a person’s life that shape their existence.
Fill in the blank: Existentialists believe that individuals must confront their _______ to live authentically.
freedom