EXISTENTIALISM

Existentialism is a philosophy that

emphasizes individual
existence, freedom and choice. It is the view
that humans define their own meaning in life,
and try to make rational decisions despite
existing in an irrational universe.
It focuses on the question of human
existence, and the feeling that there is no
purpose or explanation at the core of
existence.
 Why Teach?
The main concern of the existentialists is “to
help students understand and appreciate
themselves as unique individuals who accept
complete responsibility for their thoughts,
feelings, and actions”.
 Why Teach?
Since ‘existence precedes essence’, the
existentialist teacher’s role is to help students
define their own essence by exposing them to
various paths they take in life by creating an
environment in which they freely choose their
own preferred way.
 Why Teach?
Since feeling is not divorced from reason in
decision making, the existentialist demands
the education of the whole person, not just
the mind.
 What to teach?
“In an existentialist curriculum, students are
given a wide variety of options from which to
choose.” Students are afforded great latitude
in their choice of subject matter.
 What to teach?
The humanities, however, are given tremendous
emphasis to “provide students with vicarious
experiences that will help unleash their own
creativity and self-expression.

For example, rather than emphasizing historical

events, existentialists focus upon the actions of
historical individuals, each of whom provides
possible models for the students’ own behavior.
 What to teach?
Moreover, vocational education is regarded
more as a means of teaching students about
themselves and their potential than of earning
a livelihood. In teaching art, existentialism
encourages individual creativity and
imagination more than copying and imitating
established models.”
 How to teach?
“Existentialist methods focus on the
individual. Learning is self-paced, self-directed.
It includes a great deal of individual contact
with the teacher, who relates to the student
openly and honestly.
 How to teach?
To help students know themselves and their
place in the society, teachers employ values
clarification strategy. In the use of such
strategy, teachers remain non-judgemental
and take care not to impose their values on
their students since values are personal.”
 The Proponent/s of the Philosophy

Sӧren Kierkegaard (1813-1855)

– Danish philosopher born in Copenhagen.
– He is the “father of existentialism.”
– He said human existence is always individual in
character, never social. Man functions, grows,
develops, makes choices, suffers, experiences
intense feelings, and faces God as an individual.
 The Proponent/s of the Philosophy

Jean-Paul Sartre (1905-1980)

– French philosopher and principal spokesman for the
existentialist movement in post-war France.
– He is an atheistic existentialist and his is arguably the
best known philosopher of the twentieth century.
– He coined “Existence precedes Essence”. Essence is
created by existence; human nature is the product of
existence. Man first exists without purpose, finds
himself in the world and only then, as a reaction to
experience, defines the meaning of life.
 Implication in Teaching / Synthesis

In education, Existentialism plays a big part in searching for

bigger potential among students. Not just potential but also
hone values of every individual. This philosophy helps in
finding one self and having deeper meaning in living. There
are no boundaries in this philosophy. Learners are
encouraged to freely express themselves and find
something that would not just be interesting but also find a
path that they chose themselves and not what the society
told them to do. Doing such would hold them responsible
for their choices yet this would give them importance as a
member of a society. This becomes then their essence in
living.