Essentialism and the Meaning of Human Freedom
Understanding human freedom requires exploring the philosophical foundations that shape our choices, our goals, and the meaning we create in our lives
Essentialism arises from the profound questions humans pose about their freedom, their choices, and the purpose they give to their lives. It is a philosophy that returns humanity to the center of experience and affirms that meaning is not bestowed from the outside but created through the decisions an individual makes and the responsibility they assume for themselves. From this perspective, freedom becomes not merely a right but the very essence of existence – a path through which individuals define their goals and reshape their lives according to their own vision.
Existentialism: Mutual Influence and Conscious Altruism
Existentialism reveals the essence of humanity as a free being responsible for shaping one’s life and meaning. Between influence as a reciprocal force and altruism as a conscious commitment, the features of pluralism emerge, allowing each individual to live their authentic experience without losing their connection to others. Freedom, authenticity, and altruism are not separate concepts but intersecting paths that give human existence its true value. When a person becomes aware of these paths, they become capable of transforming their choices into meaning, their experience into presence, and their existence into action that leaves a mark on the world
Both essentialism and existentialism reveal that freedom is not a passive condition but an active, conscious engagement with life – a continuous process of choosing, shaping, and creating meaning.
