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What is the Existentialism (historical philosophy)?
Grade Level:
Class 8
Law, Civic Literacy, Economics, FinTech, Geopolitics, Personal Finance, Indian Governance
Definition
What is it?
Existentialism is a philosophy that says humans are free to make their own choices and are responsible for the meaning they create in their lives. It suggests that there is no pre-set purpose or meaning to life, and we must find or create it ourselves.
Simple Example
Quick Example
Imagine you have to choose between playing cricket or studying for your exams. No one can make that choice for you; it's entirely up to you. Whatever you choose, you have to live with the results and take responsibility for them, just like an existentialist would say you create your own 'score' in life.
Worked Example
Step-by-Step
Let's say you're deciding what career to pursue after Class 10. --- Step 1: You feel pressure from family to become an engineer, but you love art. --- Step 2: An existentialist would say you are free to choose either path, or even a completely different one. There's no 'correct' answer pre-decided for you. --- Step 3: If you choose art, you are fully responsible for working hard, developing your skills, and finding opportunities. --- Step 4: If you choose engineering, you are responsible for the effort needed to succeed in that field. --- Step 5: The 'meaning' of your career choice comes from your own commitment and hard work, not from a pre-written destiny. --- Answer: Your life's path is defined by your choices and the effort you put in, not by external forces or a pre-determined plan.
Why It Matters
Understanding Existentialism helps us think critically about our choices in society and governance. It encourages us to take responsibility for our actions, which is important for civic literacy and personal finance decisions. This thinking is key for roles in law, social work, and ethical leadership.
Common Mistakes
MISTAKE: Thinking Existentialism means you can do anything you want without consequences. | CORRECTION: Existentialism emphasizes that with freedom comes great responsibility for your choices and their impact on yourself and others.
MISTAKE: Believing Existentialism means life has no value or purpose at all. | CORRECTION: Existentialism argues that life has no *pre-set* purpose, but humans are free to *create* their own meaning and values through their actions and choices.
MISTAKE: Confusing Existentialism with simply being sad or pessimistic. | CORRECTION: While some existentialists explored difficult aspects of life, the core idea is about freedom, choice, and taking active responsibility, which can be empowering.
Practice Questions
Try It Yourself
QUESTION: According to Existentialism, who is ultimately responsible for the choices you make in life? | ANSWER: You are.
QUESTION: If an existentialist says 'existence precedes essence,' what does that mean about a person's purpose? | ANSWER: It means a person first exists, and then they define their own purpose or essence through their actions and choices, rather than having a purpose given to them before birth.
QUESTION: Your friend is worried about choosing a stream after Class 10 because they feel there's a 'right' stream they must pick. How would an existentialist advise them? | ANSWER: An existentialist would tell your friend that there isn't one 'right' stream pre-decided for them. They are free to choose any stream, and their responsibility is to make that choice thoughtfully and then commit to creating meaning and success in their chosen path.
MCQ
Quick Quiz
Which of the following best describes the core idea of Existentialism?
Life's purpose is determined by destiny or divine will.
Humans are free to choose their own path and are responsible for creating meaning.
Society dictates all our actions and beliefs.
Happiness is the only true goal in life.
The Correct Answer Is:
B
Option B correctly states that Existentialism emphasizes human freedom and the responsibility to create one's own meaning. Options A, C, and D contradict the core tenets of this philosophy.
Real World Connection
In the Real World
In India, when a young entrepreneur decides to start a new business like a FinTech startup, they are embracing existentialist ideas. They are choosing their own path, taking full responsibility for the risks and rewards, and creating their own meaning through innovation and hard work, rather than following a pre-set career path.
Key Vocabulary
Key Terms
FREEDOM: The ability to make choices without being controlled by fate or external forces. | RESPONSIBILITY: Being accountable for your actions and their consequences. | MEANING: The purpose or significance that an individual gives to their life. | CHOICE: The act of selecting between two or more possibilities.
What's Next
What to Learn Next
Next, you can explore other philosophical movements like Utilitarianism or Deontology. These concepts will help you compare different ways of thinking about ethics and decision-making in society and governance.
