Investigating the Link Between Existential Thought and Non-Belief in a Deity
In the realms of philosophy, two compelling movements have emerged that offer unique perspectives on life's purpose and the human condition: Existentialism and Atheism. Both philosophies grapple with questions of existence, meaning, and morality, albeit from different angles.
**Existentialism: Embracing the Unknown**
Originating from 19th- and 20th-century thinkers like Søren Kierkegaard, Jean-Paul Sartre, and others, Existentialism emphasises the unique and isolating nature of individual experiences in a universe that may be indifferent or absurd. Human existence is seen as a dynamic, ever-evolving process, with individuals continuously shaping their identity and purpose through choices and actions.
For existentialists, meaning is not pre-ordained but is instead created through personal choices and actions. The "highest human task" is not cognition but the embodiment of insights into the good and the right, achieved through authentic decisions in the face of uncertainty and dread. This concept is referred to as "inwardness" and "subjectivity."
Existentialism does not inherently reject or affirm the existence of a higher power. Kierkegaard's existentialism, for instance, is deeply Christian, focusing on a "leap of faith" over rational proofs of God. However, existentialism can also be atheistic, as exemplified by Sartre's philosophy, which argues that there is no God, so humans must create their own meaning.
**Atheism: Rejecting Deities and Embracing Rationality**
Atheism, on the other hand, is not a unified philosophy but a stance: the lack of belief in deities. Atheist philosophies can range from naturalistic materialism, which rejects supernaturalism entirely, to humanism, which emphasises human welfare and agency.
Atheists generally see human existence as natural, accidental, or emergent, with no inherent cosmic purpose. Meaning, if any, is a human creation. Humanist atheists argue that morality arises from empathy, reason, and social need, not from divine command. For example, Brian Ellis and Andrew Copson advocate for a morality based on human welfare, reason, and social contracts, not on divine authority.
Atheism explicitly rejects gods or higher powers as explanations for existence, morality, or meaning. The "Euthyphro dilemma" is often cited: is something good because God commands it, or does God command it because it is good? Humanists argue that if goodness is independent of God, morality can exist without religion, and if not, then morality becomes arbitrary.
**Key Differences and Similarities**
| Aspect | Existentialism | Atheism | |-----------------------|------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------| | **Metaphysical Stance** | Can be theistic or atheistic; focuses on subjective meaning-making[3] | Explicitly rejects the existence of deities[1] | | **Approach to Meaning** | Meaning is created through authentic choices and actions, often in the face of absurdity[3] | Meaning is seen as a human construct or simply non-existent[1] | | **Role of a Higher Power** | A higher power may or may not exist; the focus is on the individual’s authentic relationship to existence[3] | Higher powers are definitively rejected[1] | | **Ethical Framework** | Emphasises personal responsibility, authenticity, and choice[3] | Emphasises reason, empathy, and human welfare; rejects divine command[2] | | **Metaphysical Anxiety** | Recognises existential dread and the search for authenticity[3] | May or may not engage with existential dread, but does not ground morality or meaning in a deity[1][2] |
- **Human-Centred**: Both philosophies place human beings at the centre of meaning-making and morality, rather than relying on external, supernatural authorities[2][3]. - **Rejection of Predefined Meaning**: Both typically reject the idea that meaning is inherent in the universe or provided by a higher power; instead, it must be created or discovered by individuals[2][3]. - **Emphasis on Action and Responsibility**: Both tend to emphasise personal agency, choice, and responsibility in shaping one's life and morality[2][3]. - **Engagement with Absurdity**: Both may confront the "absurd" — the conflict between the human desire for meaning and the silent, indifferent universe — though existentialism is more explicitly defined by this confrontation[3].
**Exploring Further**
For a deeper understanding of these concepts, one can delve into the works of philosophers such as Albert Camus, Søren Kierkegaard, Jean-Paul Sartre, Friedrich Nietzsche, Richard Dawkins, Christopher Hitchens, and Thomas Nagel. Recommended books, articles, and philosophers for further reading on existentialism and atheism include "Being and Nothingness" by Jean-Paul Sartre, "The Myth of Sisyphus" by Albert Camus, "Fear and Trembling" by Søren Kierkegaard, "Existentialism is a Humanism" by Jean-Paul Sartre, "The God Delusion" by Richard Dawkins, "God Is Not Great" by Christopher Hitchens, and many others.
Existentialism and atheism encourage individuals to confront the absence of a higher power and take responsibility for shaping their own lives. They urge people to live authentically, face the uncertainty of existence, and find purpose within themselves. Whether one leans towards existentialism's emphasis on personal freedom and the creation of meaning, or atheism's rejection of deities and emphasis on reason and humanism, these philosophies offer profound insights into the human condition and the search for purpose in a complex and often confusing world.
- Existentialism posits that individual experiences are unique and isolating, shaping personal identity and purpose through choices and actions, while meaning is created, not pre-ordained.
- Sartre's existentialism, for instance, argues for no God and the creation of personal meaning, while Kierkegaard's version is deeply Christian, focusing on faith.
- Atheism, conversely, lacks belief in deities, ranging from naturalistic materialism to humanism that emphasizes human welfare and agency.
- Humanist atheists argue that morality arises from empathy, reason, and social need, not divine command.
- For existentialists, human existence is ever-evolving and meaningful, whereas for atheists, it may be natural, accidental, or without inherent cosmic purpose.
- Both philosophies prompt individuals to take responsibility for their lives, live authentically, and seek personal growth through education and self-development, tying into the meaning of life.
- Psychology, ethics, and personal beliefs play crucial roles in interpreting and applying these philosophies to one's identity and perspective.
- delving into works by Albert Camus, Friedrich Nietzsche, Richard Dawkins, or Thomas Nagel can provide further insight into these ideas and help shape one's understanding of the human condition and the search for personal growth and meaning in life.
