Having to do with existence. More specifically, one way it is used is to mean having to do with state of being as opposed to truth or knowledge. An "existentialist" is more concerned with how to "be" than with what is true. A good example is Albert Camus's "The Plague", in which the character determines that we can't know the meaning of life and suffering, but we should just do what we can.
I think your problem with God is an existential one, not a theological one. You You know all you need to know, you just don't live it.
by ACS49 July 11, 2008
Of, relating to, or dealing with existence.
Based on experience; empirical.
Of or as conceived by existentialism or existentialists: an existential moment of choice.
Linguistics. Of or relating to a construction or part of a construction that indicates existence, as the words there is in the sentence There is a cat on the mat.
adj 1: derived from experience or the experience of existence; "the rich experiential content of the teachings of the older philosophers"- Benjamin Farrington; "formal logicians are not concerned with existential matters"- John Dewey syn: experiential 2: of or as conceived by existentialism; "an existential moment of choice" 3: relating to or dealing with existence (especially with human existence)
Based on experience; empirical.
Of or as conceived by existentialism or existentialists: an existential moment of choice.
Linguistics. Of or relating to a construction or part of a construction that indicates existence, as the words there is in the sentence There is a cat on the mat.
adj 1: derived from experience or the experience of existence; "the rich experiential content of the teachings of the older philosophers"- Benjamin Farrington; "formal logicians are not concerned with existential matters"- John Dewey syn: experiential 2: of or as conceived by existentialism; "an existential moment of choice" 3: relating to or dealing with existence (especially with human existence)
by lenin March 15, 2005
Existentialism in its purest form is any philosophy which states that existence precedes essence; that is to say, that there is no inherent purpose in life (though normally this is not carried through to nihilism.). It also states that the physical world does not necessarily precede the conscious state, as a conscious mind must find itself in a world to attain consciousness in any meaningful state.
by crabbadon October 19, 2007
A philosophy which emphasizes the importance of choice. It suggests that we only exist (as human beings) if we make our own decisions independently of outside influence. However, while this freedom allows us complete control over our own destinies, it also suggests that we are the sole control over our destinies and are, as a result, isolated from God, society, and ourselves. This leads many to the conclusion that existentialism is depressing.
Officer: go over there!
Guy1: No.
Guy2: Just do what he says man.
Guy1: No I believe in existentialism. I make my own decisions.
Guy1: No.
Guy2: Just do what he says man.
Guy1: No I believe in existentialism. I make my own decisions.
by ersher August 28, 2008
A philosophy which emphasizes the significance of existence and those actions which enable one to experience their own existence, such as making decisions or feeling emotions.
-or-
loneliness.
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loneliness.
by Motivational Void. February 7, 2010
"yolo" for philosophers
by datscience July 4, 2013