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The Living Philosophy

Nihilism vs. Existentialism vs. Absurdism — Explained and Compared

May 30, 2021
Dive into the fascinating clash of Nihilism, Existentialism, and Absurdism—three philosophies tackling the question of life's meaning. Explore how Nihilism emerged in the 19th century with the notion of a world devoid of objective purpose. Discover Sartre’s radical claim that existence precedes essence, granting individuals the power to create their own meaning. Unravel the struggle against life's absurdity, illuminated by Camus's myth of Sisyphus, exploring how we can find affirmation in a seemingly meaningless existence.
14:05

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Nihilism reflects a crisis of meaning emerging from modernity's decline of religious narratives, leaving life perceived as inherently meaningless.
  • Existentialism and Absurdism offer contrasting responses, with the former emphasizing personal responsibility in creating meaning and the latter advocating acceptance of life's absurdity.

Deep dives

The Emergence and Crisis of Nihilism

Modernity in the 19th and 20th centuries has resulted in a decline of the religious worldview, leading to the emergence of nihilism. This philosophy represents a crisis of meaning, where the belief in objective purpose is replaced by a recognition of life’s inherent meaninglessness. Religions like Christianity and Eastern beliefs offered narratives that provided humanity with a privileged position and defined purpose through concepts such as creation, judgment, and karma. However, as the modern understanding of reality evolved, these religious structures were dismantled, resulting in existential questions about the implications of a godless universe and the loss of fundamental values.

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