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How does existentialism challenge traditional notions of right and wrong?

Dewitt Aiskrigg

Well hello, fellow social media user! Are you ready for a philosophical ride? Because today we're going to talk about how existentialism challenges traditional notions of right and wrong. Let's jump right in!

First, let's define what we mean by traditional notions of right and wrong. These are the moral codes and values that society has constructed over time. They dictate what actions are considered good or bad, and they are enforced through laws and social norms. Think about things like honesty, kindness, and respect for authority.

Enter existentialism, a philosophical movement that emerged in the 20th century. At its core, existentialism is about finding meaning in a world that is fundamentally chaotic and meaningless. It's a rejection of the idea that there is any inherent purpose or value in human existence. Instead, existentialists argue that we must create our own meaning in life.

So, how does this challenge traditional notions of right and wrong? Well, for starters, existentialists reject the idea of an objective morality. They argue that there is no universal set of rules that apply to all people in all situations. Instead, morality is something that we must create for ourselves based on our own experiences and values.

This can be a difficult concept to wrap our heads around, especially if we've grown up believing in the idea of a "right" and "wrong" way to behave. But for existentialists, there is no absolute truth when it comes to morality. Instead, our actions are judged based on their authenticity and sincerity. Are we living in accordance with our own values, or are we simply following the rules that society has imposed upon us?

Another way that existentialism challenges traditional notions of right and wrong is by emphasizing individual freedom. Existentialists believe that we are responsible for our own actions, and that we can only be truly free if we accept this responsibility. This means rejecting the idea of predetermined fate or destiny, and embracing the fact that we are the masters of our own lives.

Of course, this emphasis on individual freedom can also be problematic. If we don't have any objective moral standards to guide us, how do we know when we're making the right decisions? This is where existentialist ethics come into play. Instead of relying on external rules and codes, we must look inward and ask ourselves what we truly value. We must be honest with ourselves about our desires and our motivations, and we must be willing to take responsibility for the consequences of our actions.

So, in conclusion, existentialism challenges traditional notions of right and wrong by rejecting the idea of objective morality and emphasizing individual freedom and responsibility. It's a philosophy that asks us to look inward and create our own values, rather than simply accepting what society tells us is "right" and "wrong". It's a challenging and thought-provoking concept, and one that is sure to keep us pondering for hours on end. Thanks for joining me on this philosophical journey - until next time!