absurdism

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Absurdism, or the philosophy of the absurd in philosophy, refers to the conflict between (1) the human inclination to seek an explanation and meaning in life and (2) the human inability to find any meaning. At least for humans, all efforts will ultimately fail (and are therefore absurd), since no such meaning exists - at least in relation to humanity. The absurd arises from the juxtaposition of man's legitimate search for meaning and the senselessness of the world. The word absurd in this context does not mean “logically impossible”, but “humanly impossible”. Absurdism explains how a person should react as soon as he meets itBecomes aware of absurdity .

Explanations

Absurdism is related to existentialism and nihilism . Its roots go back to the Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard in the 19th century. Absurdism was described by the French philosopher and writer Albert Camus in his essay The Myth of Sisyphus with an absurd hero and represented in his novel The Stranger . The Second World War created the social environment that stimulated absurdist views and encouraged their development; especially in occupied France .

According to Camus, the “absurd person” is always an atheist . There is no meaning to be gained from the world and therefore it remains not only meaningless but also inexplicable. “Man” recognizes the senselessness of the world and plunges into deep existential crises in the course of his striving for meaning. The absurd does not stop at anyone:

"The absurd can jump at anyone on any street corner."

For Camus, the absurd is the recognition of the fact that the human pursuit of meaning in a meaningless world must necessarily remain in vain. People should therefore accept the absurdity of human existence, but not despair over the meaninglessness and indulge in logical suicide. Man's achievement is to continue living what Camus described as the revolt. This concept of the philosophical revolt is further elaborated in the essay Man in Revolt .

To search for meaning in a meaningless world, people have three options for solving the dilemma:

  • Suicide (or "flight from existence"): a solution in which a person ends his or her life. Camus rejects this option because instead of counteracting the absurdity, existence just becomes more absurd. You forgive yourself the positive side of life.
  • Religious, spiritual or abstract belief in a transcendent realm, being or idea: a solution in which one believes in the existence of a reality that is above the absurd and as such has a meaning. Camus regards this solution as "philosophical suicide". One flees from reality. So Camus also rejects this option.
  • The acceptance of the absurd: a solution in which one accepts the absurd and still lives with it without resignation.

"L'absurde n'a de sens que dans la mesure où l'on n'y consent pas"

"The absurd only makes sense insofar as you don't come to terms with it."

- Albert Camus : The Myth of Sisyphus

In revolting against the absurd, as a reaction to accepting the absurd, the "absurd man" can realize himself and achieve the greatest extent of his freedom. Without recognizing religious or other moral constraints, while accepting the absurdity as irreversible, one might be content with the personal meaning created in the process. You are aware that this meaning is purely subjective and you never know whether this meaning is the right one. It is therefore a positive nihilism.

«Il n'est pas de destin qui ne se surmonte par le mepris. »

"There is no fate that cannot be overcome through contempt ."

- The myth of Sisyphus

Relationships with existentialism and nihilism

(Simplified) relationships between existentialism, absurdism, and nihilism
Atheist existentialism Theistic existentialism absurdism nihilism
1. There is such a thing as "meaning" or "value" that can be found in life. Yes. Yes. Just a subjective sense. No.
2. There is an intrinsic meaning in the universe (either intrinsically or through God). No. Maybe, but people have to believe in its existence. Maybe, but people never know. No.
3. Individuals can give meaning (goal) to their lives themselves. Yes, it is essential that you do this. Yes, it is essential that you do this. Yes, but it's not essential. No, because no sense can be made.
4. Adhering to a meaning (intrinsic or extrinsic) in the universe is a pointless endeavor. Yes, and sticking to it is pointless in itself. No, and sticking to it might make sense. Yes, but sticking to it might make sense. Yes, and sticking to it is pointless in itself.
5. Sticking to a self-given purpose (goal) is a pointless endeavor. No, so this is the goal of existentialism. No, so this is the goal of existentialism. Maybe. Yes.

Web links

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ Annemarie Pieper: The presence of the absurd. Studies on Albert Camus . A. Francke , Tübingen 1994, ISBN 978-3-7720-2072-8 .
  2. ↑ Johannes de Silentio: Fear and Trembling . Penguin Classics, p. 17.
  3. ↑ Albert Camus: The Myth of Sisyphus . P. 46, ISBN 3-499-22765-7 .
  4. ^ A b Albert Camus : Le Mythe de Sisyphe . Editions Gallimard, 1942.
  5. ↑ Albert Camus: The Myth of Sisyphus . Rowohlt, Hamburg 1995, p. 99.