Existentialism and Responsibility

The following excerpt examines the philosophical underpinnings of existentialism:

Existentialism, as a philosophy, emphasizes individual existence, freedom, and choice. Central to existentialist thought is the idea that individuals are responsible for imbuing their own lives with meaning, as opposed to relying on preordained structures or beliefs. This perspective challenges the notion of objective truth, advocating instead for a subjective interpretation of life shaped largely by personal experiences and choices. Key figures such as Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir have argued that acknowledging this freedom can lead to both profound liberation and crushing responsibility, a duality that is often a source of angst. As such, existentialism encourages individuals to confront the absurdity of existence and to engage actively in defining their own essence through actions.