Existentialism


What have been the main contributions of Existentialism to Modern Ethics?

Have you ever thought that things happen without any logical or rational explanation? Have you ever acted passionately following your feelings and convictions without caring about others? Have you ever made choices which entailed commitment and responsibility? If you have , you acted following the main themes of Existentialism.

Even though Existentialism was highly regarded during the 19th and 20th centuries, its main themes are part and parcel of today`s modern ethics. Its ideas of individual Existence, Freedom and Choice, together with their anti-rationalistic position are clearly found in most human decisions. For Existentialists, all human beings try to approach perfection by trying to find their own unique vocation. They try to reach the highest good by making decisions which are completely subjective and by no means they resemble one another.

Furthermore, Existentialists consider that all human beings are different from plants and animals for the soul reason that only , we, humans are capable of making choices. We are all free to choose, even when we decide no to do it. Thus, every time one makes choices one starts to create one`s own nature.
And the fact that one starts making choices, as once the well-known French Philosopher, Paul Sartre , said, one starts taking responsibility and being committed to the those choices. However, one must not forget that feelings of anxiety and Dread may appear . These feelings have to do with the necessity to find justifications for the choices made.

All in all, Existentialism has been greatly considered as one of the most important philosophical movements of the last two centuries, making great contributions to the Ethics of today`s world. The Ethics that every person applies when making choices. Even the simplest choice carries with itself some kind of Existential thought.


Lucia Perzhalo

Ethics and Deontology , Liceo Cultural Britanico

2007-11-19