Existentialism is a philosophical movement that emphasizes human freedom, choice, and responsibility in a world without objective meaning or values. However, in this essay, I will argue that existentialism fails to appreciate the role of the world in shaping and sustaining human thought and action. A more adequate account of human existence must recognize that the world is a source of meaning and value. I will claim that human existence is not a mere backdrop or obstacle for human freedom. This conception of the world as a rational and sensible entity that can be understood and responded to by human beings is not new or original. It is a revival and development of an ancient and classical idea that can be traced back to Aristotle. This conception is not dogmatic or static, but a flexible and dynamic idea that can be modified and improved by contemporary insights and challenges.
What is Existentialism?
Existentialism is a diverse and complex phenomenon, with many variations and nuances. However, for the sake of simplicity, I will focus on some of the common features that characterize most existentialist thinkers. These are:
- The emphasis on human freedom, choice, and responsibility. Existentialists reject any form of determinism or essentialism that would limit or define human beings by their natural or social conditions. They affirm that human beings are free to create their own values and meanings, and to act accordingly. They also stress that human beings are responsible for their actions and their consequences, and that they cannot evade or delegate this responsibility to any authority or system.
- The recognition of human finitude, contingency, and absurdity. Existentialists acknowledge that human beings are not immortal or omnipotent, but are subject to death, suffering, and uncertainty. They also recognize that human existence is not governed by any rational or moral order, but is often arbitrary, irrational, and meaningless. They call this condition the absurdity of existence, and they confront it with honesty and courage.
- The exploration of human emotions, moods, and attitudes. Existentialists pay close attention to the subjective aspects of human experience, such as anxiety, boredom, despair, joy, love, and hate. They analyze how these emotions affect human perception and behavior, and how they reveal the existential situation of human beings. They also examine how human beings cope with their emotions, either by embracing them or by escaping from them.
- The critique of rationalism, scientism, and traditional morality. Existentialists challenge the claims of reason, science, and morality to provide objective and universal knowledge or values for human existence. They argue that these claims are based on false assumptions or illusions that obscure the reality and diversity of human experience. They also argue that these claims are often used to justify oppression or conformity that stifle human freedom and creativity.
What is Wrong with Existentialism?
These features make existentialism a powerful and provocative philosophical movement that raises important questions about human existence. However, I believe that existentialism also has some serious problems that undermine its validity and coherence.
One of the biggest problems with existentialism is its conception of the world. Existentialists often conceive of the world as a meaningless and indifferent entity that offers no resistance or guidance to human freedom. This conception of the world is often based on the recognition of human finitude, contingency, and absurdity. However, I believe that this conception of the world is too pessimistic and limited. The world is not a meaningless and indifferent entity. It is a complex and dynamic entity that is full of meaning and value. The world offers resistance and guidance to human freedom, but it also offers opportunities and possibilities for human flourishing.
Another problem with existentialism is its conception of human beings. Existentialists often conceive of human beings as isolated and autonomous individuals who are free to create their own values and meanings. This conception of human beings is often based on the emphasis on human freedom and choice. However, I believe that this conception of human beings is too individualistic and unrealistic. Human beings are not isolated and autonomous individuals. Humans are social beings who are embedded in a web of relations with other human beings and with the world. We are shaped and sustained by the world, and we are also responsible for shaping and sustaining the world.
An Aristotelian Conception of the World
I believe that a more adequate conception of the world is one that recognizes the world as a rational and sensible entity that can be understood and responded to by human beings. This conception of the world is based on the following assumptions:
- The world is a complex and dynamic entity that is full of meaning and value. The world is not a meaningless and indifferent entity. It is full of things that are valuable, such as beauty, truth, goodness, and love. It is also full of things that have meaning, such as relationships, stories, and traditions.
- The world is a rational and sensible entity that can be understood by human reason. The world is not a chaotic or irrational entity. It is governed by laws of nature and principles of morality that can be understood by human reason. Human beings are rational and sensible beings who can understand the world and respond to it in meaningful ways.
- Human beings are social beings who are embedded in a web of relations with other human beings and with the world. We are not isolated and autonomous individuals. We are social beings who are embedded in a web of relations with other human beings and with the world. We are shaped and sustained by the world, and we are also responsible for shaping and sustaining the world.
How Can We Support This Conception of the World?
There are a number of ways that we can support this conception of the world. We can use philosophical analysis, empirical evidence, and historical examples to support the claim that the world is a rational and sensible entity.
- Philosophical analysis can help us to understand the nature of the world and the ways in which it can be understood and responded to by human beings. For example, we can use philosophical analysis to examine the concepts of meaning, value, and rationality, and to show how these concepts are relevant to our understanding of the world.
- Empirical evidence can also be used to support the claim that the world is a rational and sensible entity. For example, we can point to the order and regularity of the natural world, the existence of moral norms, and the development of human cultures as evidence of the world’s rationality and sensibility.
- Historical examples can also be used to support the claim that the world is a rational and sensible entity. For example, we can point to the achievements of human reason, such as the development of science, technology, and art, as evidence of the world’s rationality. We can also point to the development of human morality, such as the emergence of human rights and the rule of law, as evidence of the world’s sensibility.
Conclusion
In this essay, I have argued that existentialism fails to appreciate the role of the world in shaping and sustaining human thought and action. I have suggested that a more adequate account of human existence must recognize the world as a source of meaning and value, and not as a mere backdrop or obstacle for human freedom. Proposing a conception of the world as a rational and sensible entity that can be understood and responded to by human beings, who are themselves rational and sensible entities that can understand and respond to the world. My claim is that this conception is not a new or original idea, but a revival and development of an ancient and classical idea that can be traced back to Aristotle. I have also claimed that this conception is not a dogmatic or static idea, but a flexible and dynamic idea that can be modified and improved by contemporary insights and challenges.
I hope that this essay has provided a helpful and insightful discussion of the relationship between human beings and the world. What do you think? Let me know by commenting below or tweeting me at @PaulWagle.