(March 19, 2022 at 9:44 am)Istvan Wrote:(March 19, 2022 at 9:33 am)vulcanlogician Wrote: I've read Camus and Frankl.
What do you think of Sartre's definition of existentialism? "Existence precedes essence." It surely has its detractors. But (since Sartre has been so influential in the movement) many take it to be a good definition.
It's fine by me. We're defined by the choices we make and the ways we encounter Being, not by our religious identity, evolutionary heritage, or genetic makeup.
Whether someone is religious or not, the main question of the human condition is How should I live? Like I said, I'm not religious but I assume that's the main concern of any religious person as well as any nonreligious one. There are a lot of ways, religious as well as secular, that one can dodge responsibility for confronting that question fully.
Yes. I agree. It's an important question. And plenty of people out there who are ready to answer it for you. I appreciate the existentialists' urge toward courage considering such things.
As a quick aside, what is your assessment on the metaphysics of free will? Not to derail your thread or anything-- trust me the risk is there. I was just curious given Sartre's philosophy which you seem quite keen on. (The short answer will do.)
