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Can an existentialist framework truly inform our ethical decisions?

Lillian Largen

Hey there!

Thanks for reaching out with this interesting question! As someone who has studied philosophy and ethics, I'm excited to dive into this topic with you. So, can an existentialist framework truly inform our ethical decisions? In short, my answer is yes.

Existentialism is a philosophical movement that emphasizes individual freedom and choice. It suggests that individuals must create meaning in their own lives and that there is no inherent meaning or purpose in the world. From an ethical standpoint, this means that we have the responsibility to choose our own values and actions, without relying on external guidance or moral codes.

At first glance, this may seem like a recipe for moral relativism and nihilism. If there is no objective basis for ethics, couldn't we just do whatever we want? However, existentialist thinkers such as Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir argue that this is not the case. They maintain that the responsibility of freedom brings with it a sense of anxiety and anguish - the realization that our choices have real consequences and that we must take responsibility for them.

In this sense, existentialism can be seen as a form of ethical individualism. It places the responsibility for moral decision-making squarely on the shoulders of the individual, rather than relying on external sources of authority. This can be empowering, but it can also be daunting - after all, how can we be sure that our choices are truly ethical?

One way to approach this question is to consider the concept of authenticity, which is central to existentialist thought. Authenticity means being true to oneself, rather than conforming to external expectations or societal norms. From an ethical perspective, this means that one must engage in a constant process of self-reflection and self-awareness, in order to determine what values and actions are consistent with one's own sense of identity and purpose.

For example, imagine that you are considering whether to cheat on a test. From an existentialist perspective, you would need to ask yourself why you are considering this action. Are you doing it because you believe that you must get a good grade in order to be valuable? Are you doing it because you want to impress your peers or your parents? Or are you doing it because you truly believe that cheating is justified in this particular case? By reflecting on your own motivations and values, you can arrive at a more authentic and ethical decision.

Of course, there are many criticisms of existentialism as an ethical framework. Some argue that it is too individualistic and ignores the social and cultural contexts in which we live. Others argue that it is impossible to completely escape external influences and that authenticity is a constantly shifting and elusive concept. Still others argue that existentialism is too vague and subjective to provide practical guidance for ethical decision-making.

However, despite these criticisms, I believe that existentialism provides a valuable perspective on ethics. By emphasizing individual responsibility and authenticity, it challenges us to take ownership of our own moral choices and to engage in a constant process of self-reflection. While there is no guarantee that this will always lead to objectively good outcomes, it offers a meaningful and empowering approach to ethical decision-making.

So, in conclusion, I believe that an existentialist framework can truly inform our ethical decisions. By focusing on individual responsibility and authenticity, it encourages us to take a more active and reflective approach to moral decision-making, rather than relying solely on external sources of guidance. Thanks for giving me the chance to explore this topic - it's been a fascinating journey!