Absurdism
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Absurdism is the philosophical theory that the universe is irrational and meaningless. It states that trying to find meaning leads people into conflict with a seemingly meaningless world. This conflic
Sisyphus, the symbol of the absurdity of existence, painting by Franz Stuck (1920)
Thomas Nagel examined the nature of the absurd, considering arguments and responses to it.
Franz Kafka's book The Trial (German: Der Prozess) examines the absurdity of life through the lens of an impenetrable judicial system.
Kierkegaard designed the relationship framework based (in part) on how a person reacts to despair. Absurdist philosophy fits into the 'despair of defiance' rubric.
Existentialism
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Existentialism is a family of philosophical views and inquiry that explore the human individual's struggle to lead an authentic life despite the apparent absurdity or incomprehensibility of existence.
Absurdism
…also found in the works of Søren Kierkegaard. Absurdism is intimately related to various other concepts and theories. Its basic outlook is inspired by existentialist philosophy. However, existentialism includes additional theoretical commitments and often takes a more optimistic attitude toward the possibility of…
French philosophers Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir
French philosopher, novelist, and playwright Albert Camus
Adolphe Menjou (left) and Kirk Douglas (right) in Paths of Glory (1957)