(PDF) Existentialism, Nihilism, & Absurdism ( ENA ) - ResearchGate
Existential philosophy, desiring to return to the concrete one, tends to evaluate human beings as a'unique entity' with their special living ...
(PDF) Existentialism, Nihilism, & Absurdism ( ENA )

- [Home](directory/publications)
- [Continental Philosophy](topic/Continental-Philosophy/publications)
- [History](topic/History/publications)
- [History of Philosophy](topic/History-of-Philosophy/publications)
- [Occidental Philosophies](topic/Occidental-Philosophies/publications)
- [Existentialism](topic/Existentialism/publications)

PreprintPDF Available

# Existentialism, Nihilism, & Absurdism ( ENA )

- June 2024

DOI: [10.13140/RG.2.2.15659.45605](http://dx.doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.15659.45605)

- License
- [CC BY-NC-SA 4.0](https://www.researchgate.net/deref/https%3A%2F%2Fcreativecommons.org%2Flicenses%2Fby-nc-sa%2F4.0%2F)

Authors:

[![Sinan Ibaguner at Yeditepe University](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAYAAAAfFcSJAAAADUlEQVR42mN89OjNfwAJDwOxHEacwgAAAABJRU5ErkJggg==)](profile/Sinan-Ibaguner)

[Sinan Ibaguner](profile/Sinan-Ibaguner)

- [Yeditepe University](https://www.researchgate.net/institution/Yeditepe-University)

![](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAYAAAAfFcSJAAAADUlEQVR42mN89OjNfwAJDwOxHEacwgAAAABJRU5ErkJggg==)

[Download file PDF](profile/Sinan-Ibaguner/publication/381157006_Existentialism_Nihilism_Absurdism_ENA/links/665fad7516dcf74fcec208fd/Existentialism-Nihilism-Absurdism-ENA.pdf) [Read file](publication/381157006_Existentialism_Nihilism_Absurdism_ENA#read)

Preprints and early-stage research may not have been peer reviewed yet.

[Download file PDF](https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Sinan-Ibaguner/publication/381157006_Existentialism_Nihilism_Absurdism_ENA/links/665fad7516dcf74fcec208fd/Existentialism-Nihilism-Absurdism-ENA.pdf)

[Read file](publication/381157006_Existentialism_Nihilism_Absurdism_ENA#read)

[Download citation](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/381157006_Existentialism_Nihilism_Absurdism_ENA/citation/download)

Copy link Link copied

* * *

[Read file](publication/381157006_Existentialism_Nihilism_Absurdism_ENA#read) [Download citation](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/381157006_Existentialism_Nihilism_Absurdism_ENA/citation/download)
Copy link Link copied

## Abstract

Interrelation of ENA( Existentialism, Nihilism, Absurdism ) Philosophy

![ResearchGate Logo](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAYAAAAfFcSJAAAADUlEQVR42mN89OjNfwAJDwOxHEacwgAAAABJRU5ErkJggg==)

**Discover the world's research**

- 25+ million members
- 160+ million publication pages
- 2.3+ billion citations

[Join for free](signup.SignUp.html)

Public Full-text 1

Content uploaded by [Sinan Ibaguner](profile/Sinan-Ibaguner)

Author content

All content in this area was uploaded by Sinan Ibaguner on Jun 05, 2024

Content may be subject to copyright.

Existentialism, Nihilism, and Absurdism ( ENA )

Sinan Ibaguner MD, PhD

Existentialism, nihilism, and absurdism are three closely related philosophical

ideologies that share common themes but differ in their approach to the human

condition. These three philosophies emerged in response to the growing sense of

disillusionment and anxiety in the post-World War II era and have gained popularity

as ways to confront the meaninglessness of existence. While existentialism

emphasizes personal responsibility and authenticity, nihilism rejects all values and

beliefs, and absurdism posits that life is inherently meaningless but still worthy of

enjoyment. This paper will compare and contrast existentialism, nihilism, and

absurdism, as well as examine the key philosophers associated with each school of

thought.

Existentialism is a philosophical movement that emerged in the 20th century and is

characterized by its focus on individual freedom, responsibility, and choice.

Existentialists believe that life has no inherent meaning or purpose, and that

individuals must create their own values and meaning through their actions. One of

the key tenets of existentialism is the idea of authenticity, or living in accordance with

one's own values and beliefs. Existentialists argue that individuals are free to make

choices and take responsibility for their actions, which can lead to a sense of anxiety

and despair but also to a deep sense of fulfillment and purpose.

One of the most influential existentialist philosophers is Jean-Paul Sartre, whose

work "Being and Nothingness" is a key text in the existentialist movement. Sartre

famously declared that "existence precedes essence," meaning that individuals are

born without a predetermined purpose or meaning in life and must create their own

essence through their choices and actions. Sartre believed that individuals have

absolute freedom and are responsible for creating their own values, which can be a

daunting task but also a liberating one. Other prominent existentialist thinkers include

Friedrich Nietzsche, Soren Kierkegaard, and Albert Camus, each of whom

contributed to the development of the existentialist movement with their unique

insights into the human condition.

Nihilism, on the other hand, is a philosophical position that rejects all values and

beliefs, including the concepts of morality, meaning, and purpose. Nihilists believe

that life is inherently meaningless and that all attempts to find meaning or purpose in

the world are futile. Nihilism is often associated with a sense of despair and

hopelessness, as it can be difficult to come to terms with the idea that nothing has any

intrinsic value or significance. However, some nihilists argue that this realization can

be liberating, as it frees individuals from the constraints of societal norms and

expectations.

The most famous nihilist philosopher is Friedrich Nietzsche, whose work "Thus

Spoke Zarathustra" is a seminal text in the nihilist tradition. Nietzsche famously

proclaimed that "God is dead," meaning that the traditional values and beliefs that

once gave meaning and purpose to human life have been rendered obsolete by the

advance of science and reason. Nietzsche argued that individuals must create their

own values and meaning in a world that is devoid of inherent significance, which can

be a daunting but ultimately empowering task. Other prominent nihilist thinkers

include Max Stirner, Albert Camus, and Emil Cioran, each of whom offered their

own unique insights into the nihilist perspective.

Absurdism is a philosophical position that lies somewhere between existentialism and

nihilism, as it acknowledges the inherent meaninglessness of existence but also posits

that life is still worth living. Absurdists believe that human beings are constantly

searching for meaning and purpose in a world that is inherently chaotic and irrational,

leading to feelings of disorientation and despair. However, rather than succumbing to

nihilistic despair or existential anxiety, absurdists argue that individuals should

embrace the absurdity of existence and find joy and fulfillment in the face of

uncertainty and meaninglessness.

The most famous absurdist philosopher is Albert Camus, whose work "The Myth of

Sisyphus" is a key text in the absurdist tradition. Camus famously declared that the

only truly serious philosophical problem is the problem of suicide, as individuals are

faced with the choice of either embracing the absurdity of existence and finding joy

in the face of meaninglessness or succumbing to despair and nihilism. Camus argued

that in the face of an indifferent and chaotic universe, individuals must create their

own meaning and purpose through their actions and choices, which can lead to a

sense of fulfillment and satisfaction. Other prominent absurdist thinkers include

Franz Kafka, Samuel Beckett, and Eugene Ionesco, each of whom explored the

absurdity of human existence in their own unique ways.

In conclusion, existentialism, nihilism, and absurdism are three closely related

philosophical ideologies that offer different ways of confronting the meaninglessness

of existence. Existentialism emphasizes personal responsibility and authenticity,

nihilism rejects all values and beliefs, and absurdism posits that life is inherently

meaningless but still worthy of enjoyment. While these three philosophies share

common themes, they differ in their approach to the human condition and offer

unique insights into the nature of existence. By examining the key philosophers

associated with each school of thought, we can gain a deeper understanding of the

complexities of the human experience and the ways in which individuals can confront

the challenges of living in a chaotic and uncertain world.

REF:

1- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Existentialism

2- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nihilism

3- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Absurdism

## Citations (0)

## References (0)

ResearchGate has not been able to resolve any citations for this publication.

ResearchGate has not been able to resolve any references for this publication.

## Recommended publications

Discover more about: [Existentialism](topic/Existentialism)

Article

### [Varoluşsal Bir Problem Olarak Ölüm Üzerine Bir Değerlendirme: Tolstoy’un Ivan Ilyiç’in Ölümü Adlı Es...](publication/43336111_Varolussal_Bir_Problem_Olarak_Olum_Uzerine_Bir_Degerlendirme_Tolstoy'un_Ivan_Ilyic'in_Olumu_Adli_Eseri_-_An_Evaluation_of_Death_As_an_Existential_Problem_Tolstoy's_Work_Called_Ivan_Ilyich's_Death)

January 2009

- ![Emel Koç](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAYAAAAfFcSJAAAADUlEQVR42mN89OjNfwAJDwOxHEacwgAAAABJRU5ErkJggg==)[Emel Koç](https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Emel-Koc)

ÖZArastırmanın Temelleri: Düsünce tarihinde felsefenin temel ilgisinin ölüm oldugunu, ölümünanlamını kavrayarak kaçınılmaz sona kendimizi hazırlamamız gerektigini düsünen klasik bir yaklasımmevcut olsa da, çagdas felsefede ölüm teması, varolusçu filozoflar dısında çok fazla tartısma konusuyapılmamıstır. Böylece insan varlıgının en temel problemi olan ölüm olgusu zaman içinde felsefeninana ... \[Show full abstract\] meselesi olmaktan uzaklasarak varolusçu filozofların ilgi alanları dısında yan bir mesele halinegelmistir. Bu çalısmada ölüm teması dıssal ve nesnel bir olgu olarak degil varolussal bir problemolarak degerlendirilmeye çalısılacaktır.Arastırmanın Amacı: Çagdas bir ekol olan varolusçu felsefeye mensup filozoflarla birlikteölüm problemi yeniden felsefenin gündemini yogunlukla mesgul etmeye baslamıstır. Somut olanadönme arzusunda olan varolusçu felsefe, insanı kendine özgü yasam biçimiyle ‘biricik bir varlık’olarak degerlendirebilme egilimindedir. nsanın ‘kendine özgü’ olusunun ve somut tecrübelerinin budenli önemli oldugu bir felsefede süphesiz ölüm gerçegi ve kisinin kendi ölümü özel bir yertutmaktadır. Bu çalısmada ölüme varolusçu bir bakıs açısıyla yaklasımın incelikleri vurgulanarak W.Barrett’in ifadesiyle felsefi bir gelenegi olmayan bir ülkenin düsünürü olan Tolstoy’un van lyiç’inÖlümü adlı eserinde ölümü, varolusçu bir bakıs açısıyla irdeledigine dikkat çekilmektedir.Veri Kaynakları: Bu çalısmada varolusçu felsefe ve ölüm temasını temele alan yapıtlarla,Tolstoy’un van lyiç’in Ölümü adlı eserinden yararlanılmıstır.Tartısma ve Sonuç: Varolusçu filozofların ölüm temasına yaklasımlarında oldugu gibiTolstoy’un van lyiç’in Ölümü adlı eserinde de ölümün insanı yalnızca zihinsel olarak degil, tümvarlıgıyla bildigi bir gerçek olduguna dikkat çekilmekte ve eserin varolusçu filozofların ölümkonusundaki düsüncelerini önceleyen bir yapıt oldugu vurgulanmaktadır.Anahtar Kelimeler: Varolussal ölüm, kaygı, proje, zaman, varolusABSTRACTFundamentals of Work : Even though there is a classical approach, death theme incontemporary philosophy, considering that basic interest of philosophy in thinking-history is deathand that we need to prepare ourselves to the inevitable end by understanding the meaning of death, itwas not discussed much, other than by existential philosophers. Thus death fact, the mostfundamental problem of human existence, has edged away from the main problem of philosophy intime and has become a lateral problem beyond the interest areas of existential philosophers. Deaththeme in this work will be attempted to be evaluated as an existential problem, rather than as anextrinsic and objective phenomenon.Objectives of Work: Death problem has become a major problem of philosophy’s agendaagain by the service of philosopher members of existential philosophy, a contemporary school.Existential philosophy, desiring to return to the concrete one, tends to evaluate human beings as a‘unique entity’ with their special living style. Death reality and person’s own death has a special placein a philosophy, in which human beings as a ‘special’ being is so dense. In this work, details of anapproach with an existential perspective are emphasized, and with W. Barrett’s expression, it isindicated that, death is emphasized with an existential approach in Ivan Ilyich’s Death, a work ofTolstoy, who is a thinker of a country having no philosophy tradition.Resources: Works based on existentialist philosophy and death theme, and Tolstoy’s work ofart called Ivan Ilyich’s Death was referenced in this study.Conclusion: As in the approach of existential philosophers to death, it has been emphasized inTolstoy’s work called Ivan Ilyich’s Death that human beings know death as a reality, not onlymentally, but with all of their existence, and it has been emphasized that the work is a work of artemphasizing the thoughts of existential philosophers in the subject of death.Key Words: Existential death, anxiety, project, time, existence.

[Read more](publication/43336111_Varolussal_Bir_Problem_Olarak_Olum_Uzerine_Bir_Degerlendirme_Tolstoy'un_Ivan_Ilyic'in_Olumu_Adli_Eseri_-_An_Evaluation_of_Death_As_an_Existential_Problem_Tolstoy's_Work_Called_Ivan_Ilyich's_Death)

Article

### [\[Existentialism, a philosophy of commitment\]](publication/17964284_Existentialism_a_philosophy_of_commitment)

January 1971 · ha-Ahot be-Yisrael

- [Madeleine Clemence Sise](https://www.researchgate.net/scientific-contributions/Madeleine-Clemence-Sise-31361941)

[Read more](publication/17964284_Existentialism_a_philosophy_of_commitment)

Article

### [Recepcija Kierkegaarda u Hrvatskoj](publication/27211621_Recepcija_Kierkegaarda_u_Hrvatskoj)

January 1970

This is probably the most comprehensive survey of reception of the Kierkegaard’s philosophy that has been written in Croatia. The author tried to show who in our country, and in a which way, wrote about this celebrated Danish philosopher and Christian thinker. Thus, he was in various ways analyzed by philosophers and theologians, each of whom in his or her own manner stressed crucial parts and ... \[Show full abstract\] concepts of Kierkegaard’s life and philosophy, but they all paid tribute to this originator of a new philosophical approach. What is also present in almost all of the mentioned authors is an opinion that Kierkegaard’s philosophy will have much more influence in the future than it had during his lifetime, to which we indeed witness nowadays.

[Read more](publication/27211621_Recepcija_Kierkegaarda_u_Hrvatskoj)

Chapter

### [What the Hiddenness of God Reveals: A Collaborative Discussion](publication/345231020_What_the_Hiddenness_of_God_Reveals_A_Collaborative_Discussion)

December 2001

- [J. L. Schellenberg](https://www.researchgate.net/scientific-contributions/J-L-Schellenberg-2204080910)

For many people the existence of God is by no means a sufficiently clear feature of reality. This problem, the fact of divine hiddenness, has been a source of existential concern and has sometimes been taken as a rationale for support of atheism or agnosticism. In this new collection of essays, a distinguished group of philosophers of religion explore the question of divine hiddenness in ... \[Show full abstract\] considerable detail. The issue is approached from several perspectives including Jewish, Christian, atheist and agnostic. There is coverage of the historical treatment of divine hiddenness as found in the work of Maimonides, St. John of the Cross, Jonathan Edwards, Kierkegaard, and various Biblical writers. A substantial introduction clarifies the main problems of and leading solutions to divine hiddenness. Primarily directed at philosophers of religion, theologians, and scholars of religious studies, this collection could also serve as a textbook for upper-level courses in philosophy of religion.

[Read more](publication/345231020_What_the_Hiddenness_of_God_Reveals_A_Collaborative_Discussion)

Last Updated: 06 Jun 2024

Interested in research on Existentialism?

Join ResearchGate to discover and stay up-to-date with the latest research from leading experts in **Existentialism** and many other scientific topics.

[Join for free](signup.SignUp.html)

[![RG Logo](https://www.researchgate.net/images/nativeApp/rg_app_ios_logo_small.png)](go.GetApp.html?_sg=Wb9q4qWU75_lrnywiML0IuYjdVFpMro2Geb0_BOtj9KrqbvuDVuHgSZXRIBZoXN4pnnF_wT8971a7tN1Wx3Yt50yPNXzFSWWjF_guEwfUE0&originCh=bannerStatsCopy&relativePath=publicationLoggedOut&interested=true)

[**ResearchGate iOS App**\
\
Get it from the App Store now.](go.GetApp.html?_sg=Wb9q4qWU75_lrnywiML0IuYjdVFpMro2Geb0_BOtj9KrqbvuDVuHgSZXRIBZoXN4pnnF_wT8971a7tN1Wx3Yt50yPNXzFSWWjF_guEwfUE0&originCh=bannerStatsCopy&relativePath=publicationLoggedOut&interested=true)

[Install](go.GetApp.html?_sg=Wb9q4qWU75_lrnywiML0IuYjdVFpMro2Geb0_BOtj9KrqbvuDVuHgSZXRIBZoXN4pnnF_wT8971a7tN1Wx3Yt50yPNXzFSWWjF_guEwfUE0&originCh=bannerStatsCopy&relativePath=publicationLoggedOut&interested=true)

[Keep up with your stats and more](go.GetApp.html?_sg=Wb9q4qWU75_lrnywiML0IuYjdVFpMro2Geb0_BOtj9KrqbvuDVuHgSZXRIBZoXN4pnnF_wT8971a7tN1Wx3Yt50yPNXzFSWWjF_guEwfUE0&originCh=bannerStatsCopy&relativePath=publicationLoggedOut&interested=true)

[Access scientific knowledge from anywhere](go.GetApp.html?_sg=Wb9q4qWU75_lrnywiML0IuYjdVFpMro2Geb0_BOtj9KrqbvuDVuHgSZXRIBZoXN4pnnF_wT8971a7tN1Wx3Yt50yPNXzFSWWjF_guEwfUE0&originCh=bannerStatsCopy&relativePath=publicationLoggedOut&interested=true)

[![ResearchGate Logo](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAYAAAAfFcSJAAAADUlEQVR42mN89OjNfwAJDwOxHEacwgAAAABJRU5ErkJggg==)](https://www.researchgate.net/)

or

[Discover by subject area](topics)

- [Recruit researchers](scientific-recruitment/?utm_source=researchgate&utm_medium=community-loggedout&utm_campaign=indextop)
- [Join for free](signup.SignUp.html?hdrsu=1&_sg%5B0%5D=Z-mRy1m9eeWSXkEacn14BI59TkwUG8-TKhEmVtRbd7HeOJ3NFEq85IqC_BhigsJkJylLzNfxaivLcoF39owg_JK3R8E)
- Login



Email




**Tip:** Most researchers use their institutional email address as their ResearchGate login
















Password [Forgot password?](application.LostPassword.html)

Keep me logged in



Log in





or









[Continue with Google](connector/google)









































Welcome back! Please log in.









Email
· Hint



**Tip:** Most researchers use their institutional email address as their ResearchGate login


















Password [Forgot password?](application.LostPassword.html)





Keep me logged in



Log in









or









[Continue with Google](connector/google)









No account? [Sign up](signup.SignUp.html?hdrsu=1&_sg%5B0%5D=Z-mRy1m9eeWSXkEacn14BI59TkwUG8-TKhEmVtRbd7HeOJ3NFEq85IqC_BhigsJkJylLzNfxaivLcoF39owg_JK3R8E)


[![App Store](https://i1.rgstatic.net/images/nativeApp/app_store_dark_logo.svg)](go.GetApp.html?interested=true&originCh=footerLoggedOut)

[![Get it on Google Play](https://c5.rgstatic.net/m/44490443524024/images/appstore/AndroidCta.svg)](deref/https%3A%2F%2Fplay.google.com%2Fstore%2Fapps%2Fdetails%3Fid%3Dnet.researchgate.shellapp%26utm_source%3DoriginCH%253Dfooter%26pcampaignid%3DpcampaignidMKT-Other-global-all-co-prtnr-py-PartBadge-Mar2515-1)

Company

[About us](about)

[News](blog)

[Careers](careers)

Support

[Help Center](https://explore.researchgate.net/?utm_source=researchgate&utm_medium=community-loggedout&utm_campaign=new-footer&utm_content=helpcenter)

Business solutions

[Advertising](https://www.researchgate.net/marketing-solutions?utm_source=researchgate&utm_medium=community-loggedout&utm_campaign=new-footer&utm_content=advertising)

[Recruiting](scientific-recruitment?utm_source=researchgate&utm_medium=community-loggedout&utm_campaign=new-footer&utm_content=recruiting)

© 2008-2024 ResearchGate GmbH. All rights reserved.

- [Terms](terms-of-service)
- [Privacy](privacy-policy)
- [Copyright](ip-policy)
- [Imprint](imprint)
- [Consent preferences](javascript:Didomi.preferences.show())