An Existentialist Meaning of Life

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An Existentialist Meaning of Life

Arguably one of the most pondered questions in philosophical thought has been, “What is the meaning of life?” Humans have been put on this earth with the knowledge of self awareness and the ability to manipulate the environments that they inhabit to a greater extent than any other species on the planet. Ultimately one must wonder what purpose there is to one’s own existence and define what it means for them to be. Presupposing the existence of different human beings in the external world, there would undoubtedly be varying opinions regarding the ultimate purpose of existence. Several key thinkers in modern existentialism provide the necessary framework for establishing a so-called “meaning of life”. Marcel, Sartre, Heidegger and Camus, refer to the theoretical frameworks of subjectivity, freedom, responsibility and purpose, in modern existentialism. With reference to the theoretical frameworks, established by these reputable thinkers, one could propose an answer to the age old question, “What is the meaning of life?”. That being, the meaning of life is “to live a good a good life”.

The existence of the external world and other human beings:

Perhaps Descartes made the most powerful argument in the form of the Cogito, when he stated, “I think therefore I am.” Historically, the certainty of the external world has been called into question, at various times, in philosophical thought. The whole Platonic tradition is one such example. Camus carries this notion a step further by saying, “This heart within me I can feel, and judge that it exist. This world I can touch, and likewise I judge that it exists. There ends all my knowledge, and the rest is construction.” (Camus, pg. 19) ...

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...uidelines have been established, one can establish purpose and realize fulfillment for living a good life. Keeping the previously mentioned factors in mind, humans have a purpose to make the world a better place, through their own actions, so that one day we may realize the divine ideal.

Bibliography:

References:

Primary Sources:

Camus, Albert (1991) The Myth of Sisyphus and other essays New York: Vintage International

Heidegger, Martin (1977) The Question Concerning Technology and Other Essays Toronto: Harper and Row Publishers.

Marcel, Gabriel (1962) Man Against Mass Society Chicago: Regnery Gateway inc.

Plato Republic Book VI: 505 e

Sartre, Jean-Paul (1997) Existentialism and Humanism London: Random house UK ltd.

Secondary Sources:

Madison (1998) Philosophy 4EE3: Term 1 Class Lecture Notes McMaster University

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