Existential Introduction
Existential philosophy arises from the questions humans ask about the meaning of their lives, their freedom to choose their goals, and their ability to shape their existence according to their own vision. It is a philosophy that returns humanity to the center of experience, asserting that meaning is not bestowed from the outside, but rather created through action, choice, and responsibility.
Freedom and Choice
Existentialists believe that humans possess complete freedom to determine the course of their lives, and that this freedom is not a privilege but a responsibility. Individuals choose their goals and reshape themselves through experience, even if these choices are socially unacceptable. Free will develops alongside awareness and transforms into the capacity to confront the world after moving beyond the confines of the family to the broader realm of society.
Existentialism versus Ideology
Existentialism differs from rigid ideologies because it does not confine individuals to fixed doctrines or specific desires. It is a philosophy of liberation, deconstruction, and transcendence, believing that existence transcends attachment and that meaning is linked to the eternal, not the transient. From this perspective, existentialism becomes a path toward authenticity, not conformity.
Pluralism and influence
These principles influence human behavior and open the door to pluralism. Existential ideas may stem from personal convictions, be acquired from others, or be shaped by unique experiences. For this reason, some see existentialism as the driving force behind intellectual pluralism, while others view it as merely a superficial reflection. Nevertheless, freedom and originality remain constant, regardless of differing desires and goals.
Influence versus altruism
The term existentialism is often used to denote both influence and altruism
Influence is a reciprocal force, where one is both influenced and influences, without any predetermined outcome.
Altruism, on the other hand, is a conscious commitment to the eternal, a willingness to relinquish self-love for the sake of self-improvement, and a desire to possess in order to serve others, not to control them.
The essence of existential experience
Freedom → Freedom of choice
Authenticity → Living oneself as one is
Altruism → Directing freedom towards serving others
These three elements constitute the essence of existential experience, empowering individuals to transform their existence into meaning, their life into action, and their experience into impact.
Ultimately
existentialism reveals humanity as a free being, responsible for shaping its own life. Between influence as a reciprocal force and altruism as a conscious commitment, the contours of multiplicity emerge, granting human existence its true depth. When individuals become 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.
This philosophical school arose from questions about the meaning of humanity, the nature of human thought and its alignment with actions, human aspirations, and the analysis of intentional and unintentional actions. Existentialism interprets these actions from the perspective of human rights as individuals within a society whose purpose is existence on Earth. Individuals possess multiple goals and complete freedom to choose aspects of their lives that align with their aspirations and objectives, regardless of their acceptability. They possess an innate free will, nurtured through upbringing and developed over time, allowing them to become part of the world after having been confined within their families. As a result, their horizons broaden with an awareness of a wider world, where every individual believes in their right to live as they choose.
However, true philosophy differs from this because it is not bound by specific doctrines or human desires. Existential philosophy emphasizes liberating the world from attachment, deconstructing ideas, and believing in eternity, because it is centered on the one and only God.
From a philosophical perspective, these factors influence human behavior and interactions. These beliefs may stem from deeply held convictions, be acquired from others, or involve unique ideas. Some interpret this as the driving force behind pluralism, while others see it as merely superficial. Ultimately, freedom and authenticity remain constant, regardless of the breadth or narrowness of desires and goals. Among individuals and societies, the term “existentialism” is used synonymously with both influence and altruism. Influence, as a reciprocal force, both influences and is influenced, but it is not predetermined; rather, it is determined by the effect itself. Altruism, on the other hand, is the certainty and contemplation of what is transient and what is eternal, the willingness to relinquish self-love for the sake of self-improvement, the desire to possess for the sake of serving others, and the desire for commitment.
