Existentialism is a family of philosophical views and inquiry that explore the human individual's struggle to lead an authentic life despite the apparent absurdity or incomprehensibility of existence. Learn about the history, concepts, and figures of existentialism, from Kierkegaard to Sartre, from Nietzsche to Camus. Existentialism, any of various philosophies, most influential in continental Europe from about 1930 to the mid-20th century, that have in common an interpretation of human existence in the world that stresses its concreteness and its problematic character. Learn the basics of existentialism with our easy-to-follow guide. Explore the history, ethics, and key concepts like freedom, authenticity, and meaning through relatable examples. Perfect for beginners in philosophy and those seeking to understand existentialist ideas without complex jargon. Existentialism is well known for its critique of mass society and our tendency to conform to the levelled-down norms and expectations of the public. Rather than living our own lives, we tend to get pulled along by the crowd, doing what “they” do.
