Existential Angst and Authenticity
Existential Angst: The Burden of Freedom
Existential angst
Existential angst is a profound sense of anxiety or dread arising from the realization of our radical freedom and the responsibility it entails.
Unlike ordinary fear, which has a specific object, angst is a more general and pervasive feeling.
Imagine standing on the edge of a cliff. The fear of falling is specific, but the angstcomes from realizing you could choose to jump. This freedom to choose, even in the face of potential self-destruction, is what existentialists focus on.
Why Freedom Causes Angst
- Radical Freedom: Existentialists argue that humans are condemned to be free (Sartre), meaning we must constantly make choices without any predetermined guidance.
- Responsibility: With freedom comes the responsibility for our actions and their consequences. This can be overwhelming.
- Absence of Absolute Values: In a world without inherent meaning or moral absolutes, we must create our own values, leading to uncertainty and angst.
- Existential angst is not a flaw to be eliminated but a fundamental aspect of the human condition.
- It serves as a reminder of our freedom and the weight of our choices.
Authenticity: Living True to Oneself
Authenticity
Authenticity is the existentialist ideal of living in accordance with one's true self and values, rather than conforming to external pressures or societal norms.
It involves:
- Acknowledging Freedom: Recognizing and embracing one's freedom and responsibility.
- Creating Meaning: Actively choosing one's values and purpose.
- Resisting Conformity: Avoiding the temptation to live according to the expectations of others.
To live authentically, regularly reflect on your choices and ask yourself: Are these decisions truly mine, or am I simply following what others expect of me?
The Challenge of Authenticity
- Bad Faith (Mauvaise Foi):
- Sartre describes this as the act of deceiving oneself to avoid the burden of freedom.
- It involves denying one's freedom by blaming circumstances or adhering to societal roles.
- Social Pressure: The desire to fit in or avoid conflict can lead to inauthentic living.
- Existential Isolation: Embracing authenticity can be isolating, as it may require rejecting widely accepted norms.
A person working in a job they hate because it is prestigious or well-paying may be living in bad faith if they ignore their true passions and values.
Is Authenticity Possible?
Existentialists argue that authenticity is an ongoing process, not a fixed state.
It requires constant reflection and commitment to one's values.
Challenges:
- Self-Deception: It is easy to fall into bad faith, convincing oneself that external factors dictate one's choices.
- Complexity of Identity: Our identities are shaped by multiple influences, making it difficult to discern what is truly authentic.
Reflect on a recent decision you made.
- To what extent was it influenced by your own values versus external pressures?
- How might you approach similar decisions more authentically in the future?
The Interdependence of Freedom
Existentialists emphasize that our freedom is intertwined with the freedom of others.
Sartre's View:
- The Look (Le Regard): The presence of others can make us aware of how we are perceived, influencing our sense of self.
- Conflict and Cooperation: While others can limit our freedom, they also provide the context in which our freedom is exercised.
- Sartre famously stated, "Hell is other people" (L'enfer, c'est les autres), highlighting the tension between individual freedom and the influence of others.
- However, this does not mean that relationships are inherently negative; rather, they are complex and require navigation.
Freedom and Responsibility
- Mutual Recognition: For existentialists like Simone de Beauvoir, true freedom involves recognizing and respecting the freedom of others.
- Ethical Implications: Our choices impact others, and living authentically requires considering these effects.
How does the existentialist view of freedom challenge or complement other philosophical perspectives on autonomy and responsibility?
The Significance of Existential Angst and Authenticity
Existential angst and authenticity are central to existentialism because they highlight the tension between freedom and responsibility.
They encourage us to:
- Embrace Our Freedom: Recognize the power and responsibility of choice.
- Live Authentically: Create meaning and values that are truly our own.
- Acknowledge Interdependence: Understand how our freedom is connected to the freedom of others.
- How does existential angst differ from ordinary anxiety?
- What are the key challenges to living authentically?
- How does the freedom of others impact our own freedom?
