existentialism

A broad name for a wide range of philosophies. Emphasis is on the individual, the experience of choice, and the absence a rational explanation of the universe and consequent sense of the absurd. Largest in Europe after World War II, the theory is more one of mood than belief systems. Kierkegaard is generally seen as the origin of the movement. The universe is not a closed, ordered, intelligible system. Because the universe is indifferent to us, we must rely upon human will and freedom. Acting truly becomes acting in the light of possibilities the world allows. Different writers emphasized different parts of this. Heidegger, Sartre, the theologians Barth and Tillich are all major figures. Existence or essence (soul)? Existence must come first because we cannot rely on or determine the presence of soul. Our essence is in the acts of existence.