Existentialism and the search for meaning in human life (e.g., Sartre, Camus).

Abstract

Existentialism, as articulated by thinkers such as Jean-Paul Sartre and Albert Camus, explores the human struggle to confront a world without inherent meaning while affirming the individual’s capacity to create significance through freedom, choice, and authentic existence. Sartre emphasizes that “existence precedes essence,” stressing radical freedom and the responsibility to shape one’s own life, while Camus introduces the notion of the Absurd, the tension between humanity’s yearning for purpose and the universe’s indifference. Rather than seeking solace in religion or metaphysics, existentialism calls for acceptance of this condition and the pursuit of authenticity through conscious action, creativity, and moral responsibility. Camus advocates for “revolt” as a way of embracing life’s absurdity without resignation. By engaging with these ideas, existentialism continues to provide a framework for addressing alienation, identity crises, and the quest for meaning in contemporary society, affirming that meaning is created rather than discovered.