An Introduction to the Principles of Existentialism

Existentialism is a principle and way of expression that is deeply aware of the existence of humans and other creatures. This existence, in our case, cannot be described as being a rock is a rock, but a conscious, individual existence. Through feelings, introspection, reflection, and questioning, the elements of the individual existence can be sensed and pondered. And with this existence comes human freedom. This freedom is not the pensive 'freedom of the will' but one that could run very deep into our core as human subjects. It is an existential structure that ultimately goes beyond any one specific being. This free online course will highlight the mutually beneficial relation (the synergy) between existentialism in philosophy. We also cover theory and existentialism in literature. We will outline the historical past of existentialism from its theoretical and literary rise. Once we have covered this background, we will look into the philosophically rebellious stance against rationalism, empiricism, and German idealism in the 20th century. You will examine the works of existentialist philosophers like SØren Kierkegaard, Fyodor Dostoyevsky, Franz Kafka, Simone de Beauvoir and many more. We will also look into their main existentialist themes, legacy, and influence.

An overview of SØren Kierkegaard's 'Either/Or: a Fragment of Life' from 1843 will be presented. You will also examine Fear and Trembling (1843) and how it engages more directly with a religious and theological issue surrounding God and theological-existential interpretations. We will highlight the main existentialist themes of Kierkegaard, including the studies of anxious subjectivity. We will also study the theory and praxis for building objectivity and stability. Similarly, we will examine the monumental works of Fyodor Dostoyevsky, one of Russia's most renowned literary exports, including, The Double (1846), Underground (1864), and Brothers Karamazov (1880). The course also covers the insecurity of human existence and the power of human freedom and passion. It explores the perennial question of God or a higher principle, which are Dostoyevsky's key existential themes. The philosophies of Friedrich Nietzsche will discern the ultimate meaninglessness of all human life, i.e. from the perspective of Nature, our lives and whole existence is relatively insignificant. Then, we dissect Nietzsche's most famous and debated proclamations, 'God is dead' - a cornerstone of existentialism.

Finally, we will examine the three metaphorical stages for the life, existence, and possible development of a human being, illustrated in 'Thus Spoke Zarathustra' (1885). We will posit the legacy and other existential themes of Friedrich Nietzsche. An exposition to the works of Franz Kafka, including, The Metamorphosis ['Die Verwandlung', 1915], The Trial ['Der Process', 1925], etc., will be presented. Similarly, the Existentialist philosophies of Martin Heidegger will elucidate human reality in its most elemental and existential form. Then, we will study theoretical distinctions of Heidegger's foundational ontological and existential structures, dynamics, and categories. Furthermore, you will consider existentialism is a Humanism (1945), The Ego (1936), Being and Nothingness (1943), and other key models of Jean-Paul Sartre. Likewise, we will highlight 'Existentialism and Popular Wisdom' (1945), Ethics of Ambiguity (1947), and other intellectual concepts of Simone de Beauvoir. Then, we will reveal the status and ongoing influence of existentialism in the contemporary era. By completing this course, you will boost your self-esteem and explore your lived experience openly, honestly, and comprehensively to enable you to build a purposeful life. So why wait? Enrol for this course today!