Existentialism, Absurdism, and The Stranger

Existentalism, Absurdism, and The Stranger

"A greater life for him cannot mean another life."

Works Cited

"Absurdism." Existentialism and the Absurd { Philosophy Index }. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Jan. 2016.

This source was useful because it gave a brief overview of absurdist thought, explaining it as a branch of existentialism. This article articulated the human quest for purpose while furthering absurdist thought as one that denies this greater purpose. This article went on to discuss Camus’ work as an absurdist particularly in his work The Myth of Sisyphus.

Aronson, Ronald. "Albert Camus." Stanford University. Stanford University, 27 Oct. 2011. Web. 15 Jan. 2016.

This source gave us the most in depth information about absurdism, The Myth of Sisyphus, existentialism, and suicide as a response to absurdism.

Camus, Albert. "The Absurd Man." The Myth of Sisyphus, and Other Essays. New York: Vintage, 1955. N. pag. Print.

This excerpt began with a direct introduction to the anti-philosophical thought of absurdism. It supplied interesting quotes to be shared with the class and provided greater insight into the theories of Camus.

"Existentialism." { Philosophy Index }. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Jan. 2016.

This source gave us information about existentialism, including the main concepts and beliefs that are associated with existentialism. These concepts include the free will, the world’s indifference to humanity, the negative consequences of one’s actions, responsibility associated with decision making, and acting and making decisions as an individual.

By Emma Kolbrener, Punya Ramesh, Viken Christianian, and Brennan Lyle

Paradox of the Absurd

"A paradox in literature refers to the use of concepts or ideas that are contradictory to one another, yet, when placed together hold significant value on several levels. The uniqueness of paradoxes lies in the fact that a deeper level of meaning and significance is not revealed at first glace, but when it does crystallize, it provides astonishing insight."

Existentialism

Existentialist Thought

1.Thinking beings, especially humans, have free will.

2.Humans are responsible for the consequences of their decisions.

3.Extremely few, if any, decisions are void of negative consequence.

4.Even when part of a group, each person acts and decides as an individual, and is accountable as such.

5.The world is indifferent towards humanity.

How this relates to Mersault

Basic definition: “a philosophical theory or approach that emphasizes the existence of the individual person as a free and responsible agent determining their own development through acts of the will.”

• When did existentialism get popularized?
• Authors associated with Existentialism
• The difference between Existentialism, Nihilism, and Absurdism

The Myth of Sisyphus

Camus explores the consequences arising from this basic paradox

Quotes:

• "Maman died today...it was yesterday" (3)
• "...she asked me if I loved her...I didn't think so (35)."
• " I felt as if I understood ... live it all agan." (122)
• "... I opened my eyes to the...cries of hate" (122-123)

Ex. Sisyphus and the rock

“There is only one really serious philosophical problem, and that is suicide.”

p. 110--discuss the parallels between guillotine and suicide

-Camus had an anti-philosophical approach to philosophical questions

His basic philosophy: The natural world, the universe, and the human enterprise remain silent about any such greater life purpose.

-The paradox of the absurd is peoples desire to ask ulitmate questions and never gain answers: the absurd

The Absurd Man

"He who, without negating it, does nothing for the eternal"

• Written by Camus to express absurdism through the lense of a man.
• Focuses on what is important to an absurdist and what is not
• does not recommend crime, but thinks it is futile

Valuable quotes by Camus

"Assured of his temporally limited freedom, of his revolt devoid of future, and of his mortal consciousness, he lives out his adventure within the span of his lifetime."

"All experiences are indifferent in this regard."

"For the moment I want to speak only of a world in which thoughts, like lives, ar devoid of future."

"In the absurd world the value of a notion or a life is measured by its sterility"

"Time will prolong time and life will serve life."

Discuss the meaning of the quote, and it's connection to Mersault

The Absurd Man

Discussion Questions

• Who is the "Stranger"--is Mersault the outsider from the world? The Arab?
• Mersault's character--discuss if he is "The Absurd Man"