noun
existentialism
eg-zih-STEN-shuh-liz-um/ˌeɡzɪˈstenʃəlɪzəm/
A philosophy emphasizing individual freedom and responsibility for creating meaning in life.
Her choice of a path reflects existentialism's emphasis on freedom and responsibility.
Etymology
The existence-related base becomes the name of a philosophy through the doctrine ending. Here “existence” concerns the individual's lived condition, making freedom, choice, and responsibility central rather than merely asking whether something is real.
In context
Existentialism comes with great freedom but also with great responsibility.
More examples
- In existentialism, people create meaning rather than discover a predetermined purpose.
- Her interest in existentialism begins with questions about how to live.
- The class discusses freedom and responsibility in existentialism.
Forms
existentialist noun — A person who accepts existentialist philosophy.
existential adjective — Relating to existence or existentialist philosophy.