Existentialism and Humanism - Lecture Flashcards
What is the existential crisis Nietzsche predicted?
With the death of God, people lose confidence in concepts of good and bad, leading to a crisis of meaninglessness where morality no longer has a respected foundation.
Who was Friedrich Nietzsche, and what was his famous idea?
Nietzsche was an important philosopher who declared “God is dead.” He argued that the death of God leads to a crisis of meaning, as humans no longer have a divine source for morality.
How do existentialists view morality?
Existentialists believe morality is an individual matter, meaning people create their own sense of right and wrong and must live up to their own notions of a good life.
How does existentialism place power in the individual?
Existentialism suggests that individuals must create their own rules and take responsibility for shaping their lives, finding their own meaning without relying on external moral authorities.
How does humanism differ from existentialism?
Humanism is a more optimistic response to existentialism, rejecting the idea that humans are inherently bad. It emphasizes that humans can thrive and be happy in a world without God, focusing on personal growth and potential.
- humanism says the death of god is only scary if you accept a Hobbesian view of nature ( power domination desire )
What does humanism counter in psychological theories from Freud and Skinner?
Humanism counters Freud’s view that humans are inherently bad and controlled by society, and Skinner’s view that humans are like animals responding to rewards. Humanism emphasizes human self-awareness and the desire for personal growth.
What are the core focuses of humanism?
Humanism focuses on the positive potential of humans, their unique cognitive abilities (like self-awareness), free will, and the power to make choices that lead to personal transformation and growth.
- free will is emphasized
What is Victor Frankl’s primary idea in existential psychology?
Frankl believed that finding meaning and purpose is the key to a happy life. Suffering often results from a lack of meaning, and discovering purpose helps individuals endure hardships.
How did Frankl’s experience in Auschwitz shape his ideas?
Frankl observed that people responded differently to extreme suffering, with some remaining positive and kind. He concluded that even in the worst circumstances, people can find meaning and say “yes” to life.
What are examples of finding meaning according to Frankl?
Meaning can come from living up to deeply held values shared with loved ones or feeling connected to something bigger, such as cultural pride or personal achievements.
- war dance documentary ( children in uganda )
What is Terror Management Theory?
Terror Management Theory suggests that when people are reminded of death, they seek a stronger connection to their in-group (religion, ethnicity, etc.) and reject out-groups, seeking meaning in their identity.
- in this study they brought people in and were told to write about death or they were told to write about something else negative and this measured peoples identification to their group because people create more of a sense of connection when faced/ talk about death ( also want to reject groups you dont align with )
what was Frankls book called
nevertheless saying yes to life
- it says that life has pain and suffering and you cannot deny that, but you can nevertheless accept it and be happy by finding meaning in your life
why do you find meaning in war?
Wars are often connected to a narrative = the world is unjust, they are the blame, we will destroy them and create a better world.
- need for meaning -. political violence ( the way we find meaning can be destructive to others )
What is Carl Rogers’ primary motive for human beings?
the primary motive is the actualizing tendency which is the drive to discover ones true self and fulfill the potentials of that self
what does carl Rodgers say about authenticity
authenticity is living in accordance with your own values and desires, not based on what others expect from you
