WHAT IS EXISTENTIALISM.
The question is, could there be any
relationship between
EXISTENTIALISM and Humanism. The answer is there are relationship between these two movements. In trying to bring out the relationship between this two movement, I will like to explain what Existentialism and Humanism is.
WHAT IS EXISTENTIALISM.
Existentialism is a philosophical movement, though it is not homogeneous, but their doctrines hold the same view. The word existentialism came out of existence. In existentialism, the term
existence means a different thing from ordinary meaning of existence, it restrict the word existence to
Human existence alone. This theory hold that human existence does not simply mean being there, it states that human existence is a
conscious act as such existentialism see man as an active being, that is man has to make personal commitments and be free to decide his actions between two opinions. According to Omoregbe, he states that “To
EXIST means to be personally committed to a freely chosen way of life, it means being conscious of the problem of human existence with all the choices open to man”1.
Existentialism began in Denmark in the 19th century with Kierkegaard, but later spread to countries like Germany and France. Major existentialist philosophers are Karl Jaspers, Heidegges, Marcel and Sartre.
Existentialism is more interested in subjectivity than in objectivity, the only way existentialism can concern itself with objectivity is because the objectivity is related to Subjectivity. This theory is more of practical thing, that is, it has to do with our daily practical experience, it has to do with empirical evidence instead of trying to use reasons to come up with something.
Existentialism states that man alone exists while other things that are not conscious are, they do not exist, things like trees, angels, God and stone are, but do not exist. Existentialism is a philosophy that brings the reality of the situation to the human person and how best he thinks he can proffer solution to such problems in the face of alternatives, it deals with life existence rather than abstract metaphysical thinking. This theory holds that of all things, man is the major. According to Omoregbe, he stated that “although they differs in their views on many issues, the existentialists nevertheless agree at least in making man and the peculiar characteristics of his life experience the focal point of philosophy”2.
It opposes reasons or rationalism, they feel that there was a time when reason was used to encompass reality. They see man and the world as inseparably link, for man to exist, he must have to be in the world, they rejected Descartes claim that man can be conscious of himself without being conscious of the world, since the existence of man means to exist in a world, it becomes very difficult if not possible to think of oneself without at the same time thinking of one’s environment.
By and Large, the theory of existentialism puts existence before essence and restricted existence to human existence alone. It tries to explain the true meaning of human existence in relationship to events and development around him, thereby bringing philosophy down to earth. It holds that man is responsible for his actions.
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