Existentialism andPhenomenology

Etymology

Exsistere- To stand out

Ex- Latin word of OUT and Stare- Latin word; meaning TO STAND

Phänomenologie- first used in Germany 1728

Phainomenon- Greek of “which appears to be seen”

Logia- Greek of ‘to speak treaties, doctrine etc.

Existentialism

Emphasizes the uniqueness and isolation 

of the individual

We define ourselves in relationship to that existence by the choices we make

Highly Subjective

Phenomenology

A practice that focuses on lived experiences and their reflective meanings.

Seeks to expose universal elements of human existence

Subjective and self-critical

Existentialism and Phenomenology Values: Freedom of will

Responsibility

Personal Love

Creative Effort

Individual experiences

Existentialism and Phenomenology on:

Metaphysics Reality is subjective. Existence creates

and precedes essence.

Axiology Values should be freely chosen

Epistemology Personal choice on knowing what to know

Proponents:

Sören Kierkegaard (1813-1855)

Father of Existentialism

Human existence is always individual in character and never social.

Life is not a problem to be solved but a reality to be experienced

Proponents:

Martin Heidegger (1889-1976) Influenced existentialism and

phenomenology

Every man is born as many men and dies as a single one

Dasein- being involved and caring for the world you live in

Proponents:

Jean-Paul Sartre (1905-1980) French post-war philosopher

Existence precedes essence

Atheistic existentialist

The destiny of man is placed within himself

Proponents:

Albert Camus (1913-1960) Contributed to the

philiosophy of absurdism Believes that a has a core

element of dignity and value.

Considered existentialism as a complete and systematic world view.

Proponents:

Edmund Husserl

Uncovers and discloses the structure of conscious experience.

Depicts essential or invariant structures of empirical beings.

Field of systematic scientific experience

Educational Aims:

Encourages individuals to understand ones’ self.

Be responsible for ones’ own choices and actions.

Become a holistic individual in their own authentic self.

Curriculum:

Self-paced and self-directed

Electives are given and suggested in broad ranges to encourage freedom of choice

Emphasizes importance on humanities

Vocational education is more about a student’s potential than income gains.

Teaching Methods

Focuses on individual thought processes

Practices values clarification strategy for self- reflection.

Students are given open spaces for dialogues and discussions

Does not give much importance towards criticisms.

Teacher’s Role

Aid in student’s self-reflection and personal fulfillment.

Provide a conducive environment for learning in their preferences

Must be self-aware and able to encourage creative projects

Student’s Role

Able to identify their own interests and values

To be responsible for their own decisions.

To be able to examine life through authentic experiences and thinking.

Self-actualization