Flipped Learning Activity On Existentialism: Ask Questions

 This task is given by Dilip Barad sir, Teacher's Blog

In flipped learning, students learn new content at home through videos or readings and use class time for interactive activities and discussions to reinforce and apply what they learned.Flipped learning helps students gain a deeper understanding and actively engage with the material during class. about flipped learning click here.

In this task i summarized Video's one by one. (videos are in techer's blog link.) 

1)- What is Existentialism?

Existentialism is a philosophical movement that explores the nature of human existence, freedom, and individual experience. It focuses on the individual's subjective experience of the world and the idea that people are free to make their own choices and create their own meaning in life, even in the face of an indifferent or absurd universe.

Existentialists emphasize the importance of personal freedom and the responsibility that comes with it. Individuals must take ownership of their choices and actions.

Famous existentialist thinkers include Jean-Paul Sartre, Søren Kierkegaard, Friedrich Nietzsche, and Albert Camus. Each of these philosophers has contributed unique insights and perspectives to the existentialist tradition. For instance, Sartre's idea that "existence precedes essence" is foundational to existentialist thought, while Camus' concept of the "absurd" explores the conflict between human desire for meaning and the chaotic, indifferent universe.

many existentialist thinkers are atheists and address themes related to the absence of a divine purpose, the movement itself does not mandate a specific stance on the existence of God.

2)- Albert Camus: The Myth of Sisyphus: The Absurd Reasoning (Feeling of the Absurd)

In "The Myth of Sisyphus," Albert Camus discusses the idea of the absurd and the tension between humans' search for meaning and the universe's inherent meaninglessness.the example of suicide to illustrate how some might react to the realization of life's absurdity. He argues that while suicide might seem like a solution to the absurd, it actually avoids confronting it. Instead, Camus advocates for embracing the absurd and finding meaning in the struggle of living, much like Sisyphus who finds purpose in endlessly pushing the rock up the hill.

3)- The Myth of Sisyphus: the notion of Philosophical Suicide

Albert Camus' "The Myth of Sisyphus" explores the concept of the absurd, the conflict between humans' desire for meaning and the indifferent universe. When individuals face life's absurdity, they often feel disoriented and seek comfort in irrational beliefs—a response Camus calls "philosophical suicide." This is seen as avoiding the reality of the absurd. Instead, Camus urges embracing the absurd and living fully, creating one's own meaning despite it. He uses the myth of Sisyphus, condemned to endlessly push a boulder uphill, as a symbol of this struggle, suggesting that we can find purpose and happiness in the effort itself.

Albert Camus would likely argue that failure does not necessarily reveal transcendence or any higher meaning. Instead, he would suggest that failure is part of the human experience and a reflection of the absurdity of life. Rather than looking for transcendence, Camus encourages embracing the absurd and finding meaning in our actions and the struggle itself, despite the lack of inherent or transcendent meaning. The focus is on living authentically and fully, even in the face of failure and absurdity.

4)- Dadaism, Nihilism and Existentialism

For most people Dadaism is associate with Nihilism but it's not true. Dadaism is a An art movement of the early 20th century, Dadaism embraced absurdity, irrationality, and a rejection of traditional aesthetics and cultural norms. It was a reaction to the horrors of World War I and aimed to disrupt conventional understanding of art and society.

It was a quest for change and existentialism came into existence after world war 2nd it is based on the idea that existence is the primary focus.

5)- Existentialism - a gloomy philosophy 

Existentialism teaches us that life doesn't come with a built-in meaning. Instead, each person must create their own purpose. It encourages us to make choices that reflect our true selves, even when life is confusing or strange. in this video we can find Existentialism is not a narcissist philosophy. or existentialism is not nhilist also. after world war 2 people's lives seem to have become meaningless in this atmosphere existentislism came to people's rescue and offered the cure.

6)- Existentialism and Nahilism: Is it one and the same? 

In this video we can find both are not same.

Existentialism: Seeks to find or create meaning through individual choices and actions.

Nihilism: Denies the possibility of any objective meaning, leading to a more pessimistic outlook.

Nietzsche described nihilism as the devaluation of the highest values and the belief that life lacks inherent meaning.

Cioran rejected traditional philosophical and religious systems, advocating for a more individualistic approach to life

Søren Kierkegaard emphasized the importance of individuality and warned against the loss of self in the crowd.

7)- Let us introduce Existentialism again

In this video i found history of existentialism it emerged in the 19th and 20th centuries. key figures like Søren Kierkegaard, Friedrich Nietzsche, Jean-Paul Sartre, and Martin Heidegger.

Key concern of philosophy for Existentialism -They emphasize personal responsibility, freedom, and the search for meaning in an often indifferent or absurd world.

Sastre's Statement "Existence Precedes Essence" Jean-Paul Sartre's famous statement means that individuals first exist without predetermined essence or purpose.

Existentialism vs Nihilism.

8)- Explain like i'm Five: Existentialism and Nietzsche:

Nietzsche: He’s like the guy who says, “Hey, don’t just follow what others are doing. Smash the old games if they don’t work for you and make your own awesome game!” He believed in being strong and creative, and not just doing what everyone else does.

Existentialism is about making your own choices and finding your own path, and Nietzsche wants you to be brave and create your own rules to live by.

9)- Why I like Existentialism? Eric Dodson.

Eric Dodson is a psychologist and professor who has written about his admiration for existentialism. In his words, he likes existentialism because it emphasizes the importance of personal freedom and responsibility. Existentialism encourages individuals to create their own meaning and purpose in life, rather than relying on external sources or predetermined paths. This philosophy resonates with him because it empowers people to take control of their lives, embrace their individuality, and face the uncertainties of existence with courage and authenticity.

10)- Let us sum up: From Essentialism to Existentialism

 In this video i found In early Aristotle and plato talk about Essence "A certain set of core properties that are necessary, or essential for a thing to be what it is." Plato and Aristotle are often associated with essentialist ideas, emphasizing the inherent essence and purpose of objects and beings. it about up to us to find our own essence. Existence prceed essence. it's totally our choice what to follow or what not. How to find meaning in this meaningless world.  

Søren Kierkegaard, Friedrich Nietzsche, Jean-Paul Sartre, and Albert Camus are key figures in existentialism, emphasizing personal freedom, choice, and responsibility.

Essentialism asserts that individuals have a predetermined nature or purpose, Existentialism argues that individuals must create their own meaning and purpose through their actions and choices.

Questions:

Q 1 How do we know if the choices we make are really our own, and not just influenced by others around us?

Q 2 How can we understand the difference between trying to find our own meaning in life (existentialism) and thinking that life has no meaning at all (nihilism)?

Q 3 In what ways does Sartre's idea of "existence precedes essence" challenge traditional metaphysical views on the nature of human beings?

Q 4 If nothing in life has meaning, why do people still care about things and try to be happy?

Q 5 How does Nietzsche's idea of the "Übermensch" (Superman) relate to the death of God?