Existential Writers

[piquant]

I am ashamed to say that my knowledge of philosopy is slim. I've heard of most of the basic philosophers, and have a vague idea of what what all the different periods and movements are, but often find myself in over my head.
For instance, I was talking to someone about literature and was listing some of my favorite authers- Hesse, Dostoevsky, Kafka, etc. Then, the person I was talking to asked me if I was an existentialist and started talking about other exitential philosophers and writers. I just kind of stared at her feeling very unintelligent and not very well read. :oops:
So... Could someone give me ten second lesson on the basics of existentialism, and existentialist writers/philosophers. I feel like I should know if I'm an existentialist.

P.S. I just went to the bookstore and baught a book on philosphy basics, which I will study diligently until you reply. :D

[AbdoRinbo]

I am ashamed to say that my knowledge of philosopy is slim. I've heard of most of the basic philosophers, and have a vague idea of what what all the different periods and movements are, but often find myself in over my head.
For instance, I was talking to someone about literature and was listing some of my favorite authers- Hesse, Dostoevsky, Kafka, etc. Then, the person I was talking to asked me if I was an existentialist and started talking about other exitential philosophers and writers. I just kind of stared at her feeling very unintelligent and not very well read. :oops:
So... Could someone give me ten second lesson on the basics of existentialism, and existentialist writers/philosophers. I feel like I should know if I'm an existentialist.

P.S. I just went to the bookstore and baught a book on philosphy basics, which I will study diligently until you reply. :D

Existentialism is a very complex philosophy which I don't pretend to understand. However, I do know the fundamentals of what Existentialists claim to believe. It all begins with the principle that existence (our being) precedes essence (our purpose). If we exist before we are endowed with meaning, then that means we choose our own fates as we go through life (nothing unheard of before the rise of Jean-Paul Sartre). If we choose our own fate then there is no absolute code of ethics or principles. The idea is that we, as individuals, are capable of living a pleasant, moral existence, even if there is no higher being commanding us.

[AbdoRinbo]

One other thing I didn't think to mention to you . . . When your friend said she thought you were an 'Existentialist', she was probably referring to your particularly Nihilistic taste in literature. Nihilism is a radical skepticism of existence, even to the extent that on doubts one's own existence. Many people associate Existentialism with Nihilism even to this day, which is somewhat skewed since Existentialists still maintain that we exist . . . and a Nihilist would reject the false purposes we make for ourselves, even if we are aware that they are only fiction.

I once heard a Nihilst say that his purpose, as a Nihilist (if you can call this a purpose), was to stare into the abyss and reflect on himself and become one with the abyss. . . . Sounds exhausting.

[chrissy]

I once heard a Nihilst say that his purpose, as a Nihilist (if you can call this a purpose), was to stare into the abyss and reflect on himself and become one with the abyss. . . . Sounds exhausting.

ppthth! I won't invite him to my Christmas party.
My friend once told me this existentialist knock-knock joke

Knock-Knock
Who's there?
you!

Oh god, that's awful, I'm sorry! oops

Chrissy

[piquant]

Thank you so much for your help!!! :D I will now be able to at least pretend I understand philosophy next time the conversation comes up. I've also learned that I am not an existentialist, or a nihilist. (Wich is sad because the word existential sounds so pretty). I believe in fate and my existence, but purpose is questionable as is ultimate right and wrong. I think what I like about the authors that I've listed is that their stories are based so much on the inner working of the human mind, and what makes an individual. Maybe I'll invent my own philosophical movement.....

P.S. I appreciated the joke Chrissy :D