Existentialism – Kierkegaard, Heidegger, Sartre

Introduction

Existentialism is a philosophical movement that focuses on the problem of human existence, freedom, choice, responsibility, anxiety, and the search for meaning in life. It emerged mainly as a reaction against abstract, system-building philosophies like Hegel’s Idealism and against the excessive faith in reason shown by Enlightenment thinkers. Existentialist philosophers argue that philosophy should not begin with abstract concepts but with the concrete individual human being, who lives, chooses, suffers, and struggles in the world.

The central idea of existentialism is that “existence precedes essence”, meaning that human beings first exist and then define themselves through their choices and actions. Thus, man is not born with a fixed nature or purpose; rather, he creates his own nature through his actions. The three major existentialist philosophers are Søren Kierkegaard, Martin Heidegger, and Jean-Paul Sartre.

Main Features of Existentialism

Existentialism is not a single unified philosophy but a movement with certain common themes. These themes revolve around the human condition and the individual’s place in the world.

Major features:

• Existence precedes essence
• Individual freedom and responsibility
• Anxiety, despair, and alienation
• Subjectivity and individuality
• Authentic vs inauthentic life
• Importance of choice and action
• Rejection of purely rational and scientific view of man

Existentialists believe that human life cannot be fully explained by science or reason because human existence involves emotions, choices, and personal experiences.

Søren Kierkegaard – Religious Existentialism

Introduction

Søren Kierkegaard is known as the Father of Existentialism. He strongly criticized Hegel’s system of philosophy, which tried to explain everything through reason and logic. Kierkegaard argued that such system-building philosophy ignores the individual human being, who faces real problems like anxiety, despair, sin, and faith.

According to Kierkegaard, truth is subjective, meaning that the most important truths in life (like religious faith) cannot be known objectively through reason but must be experienced personally.

Three Stages of Life

Kierkegaard explained that human life passes through three stages. These stages describe different ways of living.

The aesthetic person lives for pleasure and enjoyment but ultimately becomes dissatisfied. The ethical person lives according to moral rules and social duties. The highest stage is the religious stage, where a person develops a personal relationship with God through faith.

Leap of Faith

Kierkegaard argued that belief in God is not based on reason or evidence. It requires a leap of faith, which means believing in something without logical proof. Faith is a personal commitment and involves risk and uncertainty.

Anxiety and Despair

Kierkegaard believed that anxiety arises because humans are free to choose, and this freedom creates fear and uncertainty. Despair occurs when a person fails to become his true self or fails to live according to his spiritual nature.

Summary – Kierkegaard

• Father of existentialism
• Religious existentialist
• Truth is subjective
• Three stages of life
• Leap of faith
• Anxiety and despair

Martin Heidegger – Existential Ontology

Introduction

Martin Heidegger developed existentialism in a more philosophical and ontological way. His main concern was the question of Being. He believed that Western philosophy had forgotten the real meaning of Being and had focused too much on objects and knowledge instead of existence itself.

Heidegger used the term Dasein to describe human existence. Dasein means “being-there,” and it refers to human beings who are aware of their own existence and ask questions about life and existence.

Being-in-the-World

Heidegger said that humans are not separate from the world; they always exist in a world full of relationships, responsibilities, and practical activities. Therefore, human existence is practical and involved, not detached and theoretical.

Authentic and Inauthentic Life

Heidegger distinguished between authentic and inauthentic ways of living.

Most people live in an inauthentic way because they simply follow society and do not make independent choices.

Being-towards-Death

Heidegger believed that awareness of death is very important because it makes us realize that life is limited and forces us to live meaningfully and authentically.

Summary – Heidegger

• Philosopher of Being
• Concept of Dasein
• Being-in-the-world
• Authentic vs inauthentic life
• Being-towards-death

Jean-Paul Sartre – Atheistic Existentialism

Introduction

Jean-Paul Sartre is the most famous existentialist philosopher. He was an atheist and believed that since God does not exist, humans are completely free and responsible for creating their own life and values.

His most famous statement is:

“Existence precedes essence.”

This means that humans first exist and then define themselves through their actions.

Freedom and Responsibility

Sartre believed that humans are completely free to choose their actions. However, this freedom also brings responsibility. We cannot blame fate, society, or God for our actions. Sartre said:

“Man is condemned to be free.”

This means humans have no choice but to choose and take responsibility for their choices.

Anguish, Abandonment, Despair

Sartre explained three important emotions:

Bad Faith

Bad faith means when a person avoids responsibility and pretends that he is not free. For example, blaming society, fate, or circumstances instead of accepting responsibility.

Summary – Sartre

• Existence precedes essence
• Complete freedom
• Responsibility
• Anguish, abandonment, despair
• Bad faith

Comparison – Kierkegaard, Heidegger, Sartre

Conclusion

Existentialism is a philosophy that emphasizes the importance of individual existence, freedom, and responsibility. Kierkegaard focused on the role of faith and subjectivity, Heidegger focused on the meaning of Being and authentic existence, and Sartre focused on freedom, responsibility, and the idea that humans create their own essence. Despite differences, all existentialists agree that human life is defined by choices, responsibility, and the search for meaning in an uncertain world.