Flipped Learning Activity on Existentialism: Ask Questions

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 Flipped Learning Activity on Existentialist.

Video -1

What is Existentialist ?

Existentialism is a philosophical movement that emphasizes individual freedom, choice, and responsibility in an indifferent or even absurd universe. It focuses on personal experience, subjective meaning, and the struggle to define one's own purpose in life.

Key existentialist thinkers include :

Jean-Paul Sartre, Albert Camus, Friedrich Nietzsche, and Søren Kierkegaard.

Some core ideas in existentialism include: in video there are some core ideas here 

• "Existence precedes essence":

– Humans are not born with a set purpose; they must create it.

• The Absurd :

The conflict between our desire for meaning and the universe’s indifference.

• Freedom & Responsibility :

With radical freedom comes the responsibility to make authentic choices.

• Anguish & Despair :

The anxiety of knowing that one's choices shape their existence.

Existentialism has influenced literature, psychology, and even politics, challenging individuals to live authentically and take responsibility for their actions.

Example of Extentialism 

Video -2

Albert ’ Camus The Myth of sisyphus begins with "The Absurd Reasoning," where he explores the feeling of the absurd.

Feeling of the Absurd 

Camus describes how people experience the absurd in moments of disconnection—when daily routines are disrupted, or when we suddenly realize the strangeness of existence.

The absurd is not something external but a realization that emerges from human consciousness when confronted with the world’s silence.

He uses the metaphor of a man looking at his reflection in a mirror and no longer recognizing himself, symbolizing the unsettling experience of self-awareness.

Video -3 

In talk about philosophical suside of notion . & Responds to Absurd. 

And Myth of sisyphus introduced 

In The Myth of Sisyphus, Albert Camus introduces the concept of philosophical suicide as a response to the absurd.

What is Philosophical Suicide?

Philosophical suicide happens when individuals, instead of confronting the absurd, seek comfort in irrational beliefs or absolute truths.

Camus criticizes thinkers like

Kierkegaard, Husserl, and existentialists who invoke faith or transcendence as solutions to the absurd.

He argues that these thinkers essentially "leap" into belief systems that deny the absurd rather than fully embracing it.

Why Does Camus Reject It?

Camus believes that to remain honest, one must not seek external justifications for life’s meaning.

Rather than resorting to philosophical suicide, Camus proposes revolt—a conscious choice to live despite knowing life has no ultimate meaning. This leads to the figure of Sisyphus, who endlessly pushes his rock uphill yet embraces his fate, finding freedom in the struggle itself.

Video - 4 

Dadaism, Nihilism, and Existentialism are three distinct but interrelated philosophical and artistic movements that arose in response to the uncertainty and disillusionment of the modern world.

Dadaism

• Origins :

Emerged during World War I (1916) as an avant-garde art movement.

Dadaism can be seen as a nihilistic response to the horrors of war, rejecting established cultural values and questioning the very idea of artistic meaning. However, it also contained an existentialist element by asserting creative freedom and rebellion against conformity.

Example

Duchamp’s Fountain (1917) a simple urinal displayed as art challenged the idea of artistic authority.

Nihilism :

The term gained prominence through Friedrich Nietzsche in the 19th century but has older philosophical roots.

While some nihilists fall into despair, others embrace active nihilism, which involves creating one's own values after deconstructing old ones.

Example

Nietzsche’s concept of the death of God—the idea that traditional religious and moral values are no longer credible.

Existentialism :

Developed in the 19th and 20th centuries in response to nihilism and the search for meaning.

Unlike nihilism, existentialism does not deny meaning but insists that meaning is not given; it must be created through choices and actions. It shares some rebellious elements with Dadaism but is more focused on individual freedom and responsibility.

Example

humans are not born with a purpose but must define themselves through their actions.

Video -5 

Existentialism is often perceived as a gloomy philosophy because it confronts difficult themes such as absurdity, isolation, anxiety, and the lack of inherent meaning in life.

Why Existentialism Feels Gloomy :

1. Life Has No Predefined Meaning :

Unlike religious or traditional worldviews that offer a clear purpose, existentialism asserts that life has no inherent meaning.

2. The Absurdity of Life :

Albert Camus emphasizes the absurd—the contradiction between humans seeking meaning and a universe that remains indifferent.

The myth of Sisyphus, endlessly pushing a rock up a hill, symbolizes this struggle.

3. Freedom Comes with Anxiety :

Jean-Paul Sartre argues that humans are "condemned to be free," meaning we are fully responsible for our choices.

4. Alienation and Loneliness :

Without an absolute truth or universal morality, individuals must navigate existence alone.

Why Existentialism Is Not Just Gloomy :

1. Freedom to Create Meaning

While life has no inherent meaning, existentialism encourages individuals to define their own purpose through actions and choices.

2. Authenticity and Personal Growth :

Living authentically means being true to oneself rather than conforming to societal expectations.

This leads to a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

3. Revolt Against Despair : 

Camus suggests that, instead of surrendering to nihilism, we should embrace life despite its absurdity.

Sisyphus is happy because he finds joy in the struggle itself.

4. Human Connection and Solidarity :

Though existentialism values individual freedom, it also recognizes the importance of relationships and shared experience.

Video - 6

In talk about Extentialism and Nihilism 

Existentialism and Nihilism are often confused because both deal with the absence of inherent meaning in life, but they are not the same.

While Nihilism embraces meaninglessness as a final state

Existentialism sees it as a starting point and argues that individuals must create

Video - 7

Introduction to Existentialism

Existentialism is a philosophical movement that explores human freedom, choice, and the search for meaning in an indifferent universe.

It emerged in the 19th and 20th centuries as a response to traditional philosophical and religious ideas that imposed predefined meaning on life.

Themes of Existentialism

1.Freedom and Responsibility

With freedom comes responsibility there are no excuses, and individuals must own their choices.

2. The Absurd :

The world is indifferent to human concerns, creating a conflict between our desire for meaning and the universe’s silence.

3. Authenticity :

To live authentically means acting in accordance with one’s own values, not societal expectations.

4. Anguish and Anxiety :

The realization of total freedom leads to existential angst or dread, as individuals recognize the weight of their choices.

5. Revolt Against Meaninglessness :

Camus, in The Myth of Sisyphus, argues that even in a meaningless world, one can find joy in the struggle itself.

Video -8

Existentialism is the idea that life doesn’t come with a preset meaning—you have to choose what to do with it.

You are free to build your own life, but that also means you have to take responsibility for your choices.

Now, Nietzsche was a philosopher who said, "A long time ago, people got their meaning from religion and old rules, but those don’t work for everyone anymore."

He called this the "death of God", meaning that traditional beliefs were no longer guiding people the way they used to.

Instead of feeling lost, he said people should create their own values—kind of like making your own rules for the game.

So existentialism and Nietzsche both say: Life doesn’t come with a rule book you get to decide what to do with it! But that also means you have to be brave and take charge of your choices.

Video -9

It sounds like you find existentialism meaningful! If you like existentialism, it might be because:

1. It Values Freedom:

Existentialism says you are in control of your life.

There’s no fixed destiny—you define yourself through your choices.

2. It Embraces Reality :

Instead of relying on external meanings (religion, society, tradition), existentialism encourages you to face life as it is and create meaning for yourself.

3. It Encourages Authenticity :

You don’t have to follow what others expect; you can be true to yourself. Sartre calls this living in "good faith", rather than pretending to be someone you’re not.

4. It Acknowledges Struggle :

Life can feel meaningless at times, but existentialism doesn’t run from that. Think of Camus’ Myth of Sisyphus even if life feels repetitive, you can still find joy in the struggle.

5. It Makes You Responsible :

Since there’s no preset meaning, your actions define who you are.

If existentialism resonates with you, you probably enjoy thinking deeply, questioning norms, and valuing personal freedom.

Video - 10

From Essentialism to Existentialism:

Everything has a predefined essence or purpose (e.g., a knife is made for cutting, a human has a specific purpose in life).

Rooted in Plato, Aristotle, and religious traditions, which argue that meaning is given externally (by God, society, or nature).

2. The Shift to Existentialism :

Why? With the rise of modern science, secularism, and Nietzsche’s “death of God,” people questioned traditional sources of meaning.

3. Existentialism

Meaning is not given but created by the individual.

• Themes

Freedom & Responsibility

You are free but must take responsibility for your life.

The Absurd

Life has no inherent meaning, yet we seek it (Camus).

Authenticity

Living true to oneself, rather than conforming to external pressures.

Anguish & Anxiety

The weight of total freedom can be overwhelming.

• Nietzsche’s Role :

He rejected fixed moral values and traditional religious meaning.

Encouraged individuals to create their own values and live beyond societal norms.

Thank you !