THE ELUCIDATION OF ALBERT CAMUS’ PHILOSOPHY OF ABSURDISM

Abstract

The philosophical concept of absurdism has been one of the difficult notions to understand in a realm of philosophy. It deals mainly with the inherent contradiction between the human longing for meaning in life and the belief that there is no inherent purpose to the universe. According to this philosophy, human life is absurd because people are constantly seeking meaning and purpose in a universe that is irrational. However, one must embrace and experience life despite its inherent absurdity, finding joy and satisfaction in action amidst the futility of existence. This belief system advocates for individuals to identify their own purpose in life, acknowledge the absurdity of reality, and experience joy in living. Nevertheless, individuals use beliefs or ideologies to avoid or reject the harsh realities of life known as philosophical suicide. Philosophical suicide involves religious or spiritual beliefs that pledge eternal life or rebirth, or blind obedience to a specific political or philosophical principle that shields individuals from evil. Ultimately, philosophical suicide can lead to a superficial and thoughtless life without real meaning or purpose. Hence, there is an advocation to rebel. The idea of rebellion is a way to challenge established beliefs and systems of thought. This requires questioning authority, norms and societal expectations in the quest for truth (and/or personal freedom). ‘Rebels’ in philosophy sought to expand human knowledge and understanding by questioning established doctrines and challenging accepted truths. It is an opportunity for innovation and transformation, as it challenges conventional thought while paving the way for human progress and advancement. Therefore, a rebel must be resilient in whatever decision he makes. Resilience is the ability of a person to recover from failure, overcome obstacles, and adapt to change. It is all about having the inner strength, the means and the attitude to rise above challenges. Hence, for one to build a life worth living, he or she must possess resilience, which is the belief of perseverance, courage, and self-awareness.