EXISTENTIAL ETHICS

It is my intention, in presenting the various societal philosophies, to offer an awareness of the foundations of thought, relevant to the establishment of today’s ethical standards.  In this respect, one may better understand the root causes, and therefore the effects, of contemporary thinking and actions:

Existentialism is a philosophy of several varieties.  Its general theme focuses concern on human existence, hence, the name “Existentialism.”  The concern is not upon some kind of abstract principle of metaphysics, or of God, or things of that nature, but the concern is with human beings, and what it means to exist as a person in this world.  Existentialism, in fixating on the predicament of the individual, tends to be pessimistic and atheistic.

The most basic tenet, common to the many uses of the term [existentialism], is that man is entirely free and wholly responsible for himself.  In this light, mans’ imperfection is suddenly obvious, to which follows a sense of anguish and helplessness.  To the existentialist, this is roughly the point of “Awareness.’

Existential awareness can logically lead in several opposing directions, all of which are captured by the term.  For some, anguish leads to loneliness and despair, possibly resulting in nihilism (belief that societal conditions warrant destruction).  For others, meaningless prevails, and life is simply inconsequential.  Yet, others perceive the imperfection of man as merely a changeable facet of his character; for with total freedom and total responsibility, comes limitless potential.  The human condition, therefore, is neither absolute nor entirely understood.  Improvement can come through the emphasis of different or new human attributes.  The individual is free to be whom he chooses.

Existentialism as a philosophy, or world and life view, is largely a 20^th century phenomenon.  [It] is the very antithesis of Christian belief, by asserting the total autonomy of man.  Hence, it is one of the most virulent forms of humanism.  Existentialism has spread rapidly because its proponents often convey their message in more artistic form, rather than in dry philosophic tomes.  Their medium is often novels, plays, art, and movies, which are often profoundly moving and entertaining, as these works speak to real human conditions.  The influence of existentialism is pervasive, and often subtle, in our society.  The violence and breakdown of modern culture can largely be attributed to the philosophy of existentialism.

The root of existentialism is autonomous thinking.  It is man yielding to the satanic temptation of desiring to be as God, i.e., rejecting all outside or transcendent sources of authority.  Man does not discover values; he creates them.  Since there is no standard to live well, then man should live much.  For the existentialist, it is mans’ feelings and passions, which make him a man.  Feelings are the standard for truth, e.g., “It is true if I feel strongly about it.”  “If it feels good, do it!”

If there is no infinite, personal creator-God who transcends His creation, then there is no infinite reference point, which can give meaning to the particulars of life.  Man is alone; there is only the cosmos, and mans’ consciousness of himself.  A man, therefore, is the sum total of the acts that make up his life – no more, no less!  When a man is alive, he is a subject; when he is dead, he is an object.