Existentialism

High school (ages 12+)
Philosophy & Big Questions

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/existentialism

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the core principle?Existence precedes essence: individuals define themselves through their choices and actions
2. What is the associated concepts?Radical freedom, responsibility, angst, authenticity, absurdity, commitment
3. Why do existentialists say we have to make our own meaning?Because existentialists believe we are born without a set purpose, so we must choose our own values.
4. How does existentialism talk about freedom and responsibility?It says we are always free to choose, and with that freedom we must take responsibility for our choices, which can feel scary but also exciting.

Existence precedes essence: Humans are born without a predetermined nature and create their own identity through choices.