Existentialism | Definition, History, Characteristics, Examples, Types ...
Existentialism is opposed to any doctrine that views human beings as the manifestation of an absolute or of an infinite substance.
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[existentialism](https://www.britannica.com/topic/existentialism)

Table of Contents


- [Introduction](/topic/existentialism)

- [Nature of existentialist thought and manner](/topic/existentialism#ref68493)

- [Historical survey of existentialism](/topic/existentialism/Historical-survey-of-existentialism)



- [Precursors of existentialism](/topic/existentialism/Historical-survey-of-existentialism#ref68495)

- [Immediate background and founders](/topic/existentialism/Historical-survey-of-existentialism#ref68496)

- [Emergence as a movement](/topic/existentialism/Historical-survey-of-existentialism#ref68497)

- [Methodological issues in existentialism](/topic/existentialism/Historical-survey-of-existentialism#ref68498)

- [Substantive issues in existentialism](/topic/existentialism/Substantive-issues-in-existentialism)



- [Fundamental concepts and contrasts](/topic/existentialism/Substantive-issues-in-existentialism#ref68500)

  - [Ontic structure of human existence](/topic/existentialism/Substantive-issues-in-existentialism#ref68501)

  - [Manner and style of human existence](/topic/existentialism/Substantive-issues-in-existentialism#ref68502)

- [Problems of existentialist philosophy](/topic/existentialism/Problems-of-existentialist-philosophy)

  - [Humanity and human relationships](/topic/existentialism/Problems-of-existentialist-philosophy#ref68504)

  - [The human situation in the world](/topic/existentialism/Problems-of-existentialist-philosophy#ref68505)

  - [Significance of Being and transcendence](/topic/existentialism/Problems-of-existentialist-philosophy#ref68506)

- [Problems of existentialist theology](/topic/existentialism/Problems-of-existentialist-philosophy#ref68507)

- [Social and historical projections of existentialism](/topic/existentialism/Social-and-historical-projections-of-existentialism)


[References & Edit History](https://www.britannica.com/topic/existentialism/additional-info) [Related Topics](/facts/existentialism)

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[existentialism summary](/summary/existentialism)

Related Questions


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Contents


[Philosophy & Religion](/browse/Philosophy-Religion)[Philosophical Issues](/browse/Philosophical-Issues)

# existentialism

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Written by


[Nicola Abbagnano\
\
Emeritus Professor of History of Philosophy, University of Turin, Italy, 1936–76. Foremost Italian Existentialist philosopher. Author of _Critical Existentialism_ and others.](/contributor/Nicola-Abbagnano/2)

Nicola Abbagnano

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Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors.](/editor/The-Editors-of-Encyclopaedia-Britannica/4419)

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Last Updated:

Aug 1, 2024
• [Article History](https://www.britannica.com/topic/existentialism/additional-info#history)


Table of Contents


[![Søren Kierkegaard](https://cdn.britannica.com/80/10480-004-B306CB9C/Soren-Kierkegaard-collection-Christian-1840.jpg?w=400&h=300&c=crop)](https://cdn.britannica.com/80/10480-004-B306CB9C/Soren-Kierkegaard-collection-Christian-1840.jpg)

Søren Kierkegaard

[See all media](https://www.britannica.com/topic/existentialism/images-videos)

Key People: [Nikolay Aleksandrovich Berdyayev](/biography/Nikolay-Aleksandrovich-Berdyayev)[Jean-Paul Sartre](/biography/Jean-Paul-Sartre)[Franz Rosenzweig](/biography/Franz-Rosenzweig)[Marjorie Grene](/biography/Marjorie-Grene)[Watsuji Tetsurō](/biography/Watsuji-Tetsuro)_(Show more)_

Related Topics: [Dasein](/topic/Dasein)[dread](/topic/dread)[absurdity](/art/absurdity)[theological existentialism](/topic/theological-existentialism)[authentic existence](/topic/authentic-existence)_(Show more)_

[See all related content →](/facts/existentialism)

**existentialism**, any of various philosophies, most influential in continental Europe from about 1930 to the mid-20th century, that have in common an interpretation of human existence in the world that stresses its concreteness and its problematic character. According to existentialism: (1) Existence is always particular and individual—always _my_ existence, _your_ existence, _his_ existence, _her_ existence. (2) Existence is primarily the problem of existence (i.e., of its mode of being); it is, therefore, also the investigation of the meaning of Being. (3) That investigation is continually faced with diverse possibilities, from among which the existent (i.e., the human individual) must make ...(100 of 7840 words)

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