The Existentialist Method and Existentialism: A Comparative Study

Existentialism is a multifaceted concept in philosophy, manifesting both as a method of questioning and as a distinct school of thought. While these two aspects share common threads, they also exhibit notable differences. This article delves into the similarities and differences between the existentialist method and existentialism as a philosophical school, providing a comprehensive understanding of each.

Focus on Individual Experience

BOTH the existentialist method and existentialism as a school of thought emphasize the importance of individual experience and subjective perception. They both prioritize personal existence, freedom, and choice. This focus on the individual's lived experience is a fundamental pillar of both.

Concern with Meaning

Both approaches grapple with questions of meaning and the human condition. They address themes such as absurdity, alienation, and the search for authenticity. Existentialists explore the essence of human existence and the subjective nature of meaning, providing a framework for understanding the complexities of life.

Rejection of Absolute Truths

Existentialism, whether as a method or a school of thought, often rejects universal truths or objective moral standards. Instead, it posits that truth is subjective and contingent upon individual perspective. This rejection of absolute truths highlights the primacy of personal experience and choice in shaping one's understanding of the world.

Methodology vs. Doctrine

The existentialist method and existentialism as a school of thought can be differentiated based on their approach to philosophical inquiry.

Existentialist Method

This is a way of engaging with philosophical questions that often involves a focus on lived experience, narrative, and a rejection of systematic philosophy. It emphasizes personal reflection and phenomenological analysis to explore the nuances of human existence.

Existentialism as a School of Thought

It encompasses a range of philosophical ideas and doctrines articulated by key figures such as Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, and Martin Heidegger. It includes specific themes and concepts such as existential freedom, bad faith, and the absurd.

Theoretical Frameworks

The existentialist method and existentialism as a school of thought differ in their approach to theoretical frameworks.

Existentialist Method

Often more open-ended and exploratory, it does not necessarily adhere to a fixed set of beliefs or doctrines. It seeks to understand the complexities of human existence without prescriptive conclusions.

Existentialism as a School of Thought

It presents a more structured set of ideas and arguments that often lead to specific philosophical conclusions about existence, ethics, and society.

Influence of Other Philosophies

Both the existentialist method and existentialism as a school of thought draw influence from other philosophical traditions, but they do so in different ways.

Existentialist Method

May draw from various philosophical traditions, such as phenomenology and hermeneutics, without being confined to a single doctrine.

Existentialism as a School of Thought

Typically engages in a dialogue with historical philosophical movements but is more cohesive in its own theoretical positions.

Conclusion

In summary, while the existentialist method emphasizes the exploration of human experience and subjective meaning-making, existentialism as a school of thought provides a more structured philosophical framework that addresses specific existential themes and questions. Both share a deep concern for individual existence but do so in different ways and with varying degrees of systematicity.