Existential Research Articles

Inside the Mind of the Self-Deceiver: Foundational Issues in Relation to Human Defences and “the Unconscious”

AbstractThere are many foundational questions involved in understanding our defences. Are these manoeuvres unconscious processes to which we fall prey, as psychoanalytic metapsychology suggests? Or are they the product of a conscious and motivated strategy initiated by the individual? I argue for the latter. The concept of “unconscious defence” lacks explanatory power as it initiates an endless cycle of defence mechanisms. Alternatively, focus is directed towards consciousness and the pre-reflective moment when the ego evades addressing troubling content of consciousness. Existential philosophers such as Sartre (Being and nothingness, Methuen & Co, 1943) and Fingarette (Self-deception, Routledge & Kegan Paul, 1969) are used as stepping stones in making this “Copernican” shift in perspective, and core affective processes are introduced as the organismic centre of rotation behind our defences. Core affective processes play an important role in the toning of our emotions and moods, and I argue that they also play a leading role in the activation of our defences. Finally, ethical issues raised by self-deception in psychological practice are touched upon. Should the truth always be revealed, or should psychologists occasionally engage in cost-benefit analysis?

The Social Contract in Epicureanism

Abstract Epicurus held that justice came into being when individuals made compacts with one another to secure the benefit that comes from not harming one another. He also distinguished just laws from those that are not just; and he recognized a virtue of justice. This much is well supported by our evidence. There is also much that is controversial. At the very basis, there is disagreement on his conception of justice. There are also basic questions on how compacts are related to the justice of laws, as well as to the virtue of justice. Plato and Aristotle severed compacts from virtue; and some modern thinkers consider the justice of institutions prior to that of individuals. What was Epicurus’ position? This paper will sketch an outline of Epicurus’ theory of justice as a path to the goal of a pleasant life. As Phillip Mitsis (1988) suggested, Epicurus sought to harmonize a contractual view of justice with the virtue of justice. My aim is to investigate further the coherence of this endeavor. As I will argue, Epicurus presents a unitary theory of justice, composed of a number of steps that develop out of each other in a consistent way. As a developmental path, it admits of much variation. By tracing its basic features, I seek to show how Epicurus puts individuals in charge of attaining their goal, pleasure.

Healing the Self: Mental Health and Existential Recovery in the Select Works of Don DeLillo

This paper explores the coping mechanisms of existential beings during moments of crisis, focusing on the works of Don DeLillo, Zero K, The Body Artist, and Falling Man. Grounded in existential philosophy, psychology, and psychiatry, the study analyzes how DeLillo’s characters navigate crises of meaning, death, and isolation, revealing core existential traits both during and after their experiences. Drawing on theories from Sartre, Heidegger, Nietzsche, Frankl, and Yalom, the research demonstrates that these characters confront alienation, death, and absurdity by embracing authenticity, rebellion, and self-transformation. Through close reading and thematic analysis, the paper argues that DeLillo’s characters use suffering and trauma as catalysts for existential growth, reflecting the human capacity to find meaning and transformation in moments of profound disorientation. The study bridges literature and the humanities, illustrating how the existential crises depicted in DeLillo’s works resonate with universal themes of coping, identity, and survival in the face of the absurd. It will also propose the C.A.R.E model as a healing way to overcome crisis.

From Chaos to the Absurd: Existentialism for the 21st Century

As Sartre pointed out, philosophical questions are questions that each generation must ask themselves because only this promotes the feeling of being alive, which is especially true for existential questions closely related to time–space, the moment, and our society. Sartre placed his philosophy of existentialism in wartime and the social conditions of the time at the beginning of the 20th century. We can equate these conditions with today’s conditions; we are once again facing threats of war, and once again, we are facing chaotic conditions that increasingly lead to absurdity but are also entirely different. Today, at the beginning of the 21st century, the clarity and disambiguation of the 20th century no longer exist, as the relationships between beings and the world have drastically changed. We can observe that (1) the world is not one; there are two worlds, the physical and the cyber world and (2) being is not one; there are two beings (entities), human and AI-based forms of artificial life (ALF), between which there is a permanent tension. We advocate the thesis that in the society of the future, man must still play a master role; he must still be the being who will guide this society. Also, as Sartre claimed, each era must create its philosophy and consider real time–space. Responses to changes in this time–space also relate to existentialism in the 21st century. In this context, it is necessary to redefine the view of the future and the guidelines for the development of future society.

Face to Face in Freedom: Beauvoirian Ambiguity in Sophocles’ Antigone

Abstract In my examination of Sophocles’ Antigone, I use Beauvoir’s existential philosophy as a lens and hermeneutic model and apply her language and terms—immanence, transcendence, and ambiguity—to the original ancient text to understand the gendered metaphors of the play and to reveal an area of oversight in her superficial treatment of the tragedy. Taking this theoretical approach, I use “feminist” or “existentialist” Beauvoir (The ethics of ambiguity, The second sex) against herself, that is, her interpretation of the Antigone in “Moral idealism and political realism,” to show how existentialist freedom is achieved in the tragedy. In my reading, I cast Antigone as a figure of ambiguity, situated in an oppressive context, and I argue that she creates her own project and strives towards freedom, in the Beauvoirian sense. I also extend the subjectivity of ambiguity to Ismene and illustrate the course of her own existential freedom to portray the reversibility of the transcendence/immanence polarity in these two figures and, ultimately, to suggest that the sisters are intertwined. Inscribing my reading in a tradition of feminist interpretations surrounding the Antigone, I advance a new reading that finds in the play a feminist political theory of existentialism, inclusive of the sororal pair.

The Forgotten Sex: Modern Responses to Correlative Sexism in Kang Youwei and He-Yin Zhen

Abstract The oversight of Chinese feminist traditions in transnational feminist discourse is remarkable given China’s historical importance and vast population. Despite historical suppression by Confucianism, Chinese feminisms emerged at the turn of the last century, drawing from Marxist, anarchist, and liberal movements. While scholars increasingly recognize overlooked female thinkers like Ban Zhao, contemporary discussions of China often revolve around reconciling Confucianism and feminism. This tendency underscores the perception of Chinese feminism as a derivative of Western feminism, where modern thinkers reject local culture for transnational movements. This paper contends that Chinese feminists, including Kang Youwei and He-Yin Zhen, remained deeply rooted in their traditions. While Kang incorporated foreign ideas to advocate for feminist goals and modernize society, he predominantly engaged with traditional philosophy to address its sexist elements. Similarly, He-Yin’s anarcho-feminist approach integrated Western influences to engage with traditional Chinese thought rather than rejecting it outright. By examining prevalent gender and selfhood concepts in traditional Chinese thought, this paper elucidates the notion of “correlative sexism,” and argues that women were not primarily regarded as a “second sex” as described by Simone de Beauvoir. The paper then demonstrates how Kang and He-Yin responded to this sexist discourse, offering novel perspectives on women’s liberation and societal reform.

KEDUDUKAN PEMIKIRAN KI HADJAR DEWANTARA DALAM FILSAFAT PENDIDIKAN

Ki Hadjar Dewantara is a central figure in education in Indonesia. His various thoughts were able to provide awareness to society during the Dutch colonial era, which did focus on education that was more oriented toward work skills. Ki Hadjar Dewantara through his great determination to establish an educational institution named "Taman Siswa" to restore the essence of education which gives the principle of independence. Education is also intended to help the growth and development of students so that students are active and able to realize all the competencies that exist in each individual student. This research seeks to find Ki Hadjar Dewantara's views regarding the concept of education and to see the position of Ki Hadjar Dewantara's thoughts regarding education in the structure of the philosophy of education. This study uses a qualitative method with a philosophical hermeneutic approach. The results of this study indicate that Ki Hadjar Dewantara's thoughts regarding the concept of education are more oriented toward the educational philosophy of essentialism, existentialism, progressivism, and perennials. So that in this context the idea of ​​Ki Hadjar Dewantara does not only rely on one school of educational philosophy, but is eclectic in nature, which means it combines several schools of educational philosophy which do not contradict one another but use positive principles from each school of philosophy. education and pay attention to the culture of Indonesian society.

Existentialism in Philip Dick’s Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?

This study scrutinizes existential themes in Philip Dick’s Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep (1968) that focus on the impotence of man and his suffering, living in a world devoid of apprehension. The study argues that Dick’s Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? presents an existential philosophy as it conglomerates different important canons of existentialism, including individualism, importance of choice, absurdity, despair, alienation, death, individual freedom, and the perception that existence precedes essence. The methodology applied in this study is qualitative-descriptive. The study is significant as it links literature with philosophy. The purpose of the study is to reveal prominent configurations of existentialism in Dick’s Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? that are omnipresent across its tapestry. As for the findings, Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? involves an intricate mesh of the philosophical gospels of existentialism that raise questions about existence and the human condition.

Existential Buddhism: embracing life's uncertainties and finding meaning within

This study explores the profound questions surrounding the pursuit of Nirvana in Buddhism, examining whether it arises from the cycle of rebirth, present suffering, or future pain as depicted in early Buddhist scriptures. It also investigates the potential convergence of Buddhism with existentialism, a philosophy emphasizing individual experience, freedom, responsibility, and life’s inherent uncertainties. The primary inquiry examines whether Buddhism can harmonize with existentialist perspectives, which emphasize individuality amidst life’s enigmas. This research comprehensively investigates the reasons driving individuals in mainstream Buddhism to seek Nirvana, delving into their quest for liberation, and emphasizes the existential essence of Buddhism. Finally, It explores the plausibility of an alternative form of Buddhism that incorporates existential philosophy. Using a literature analysis approach with a thematic focus, this study critically examines the writings of prominent Buddhist scholars, existential philosophers, and researchers on the intersection of Buddhism and existentialism. The analysis reveals that Buddhists aspire for Nirvana to escape the cycle of suffering and find solace and serenity. Moreover, the juxtaposition of Buddhism and existentialism offers a fresh perspective, highlighting individual autonomy and choice in confronting life’s complexities, and providing an early Buddhist account of existential nature. By deepening the understanding of how mindfulness and meditation connect to core Buddhist principles, this research fosters more authentic engagement with Buddhist practices, enriching personal well-being. This research has vital implications for understanding the pursuit of meaning and liberation from suffering amidst life’s chaos, challenging conventional perceptions of Buddhism, and elucidating potential alignments with existential thought, inviting further research.

The Quest for Identity and Self-Discovery: A Study of Existential Crisis in Anuradha Roy’s The Folded Earth

The main objective of this term paper is to analyze the theme of existential crisis in Anuradha Roy’s famous novel The Folded Earth. The term “existential crisis” refers to facing the crisis of one's existence. This mainly talks about how people view themselves, as well as their meaning and goals in life. When people feel unsure about their purpose, options, or freedom in life, they are experiencing an existential crisis. Many persons who experience existential anxiety believe that life is meaningless and that there is no purpose to it. Confused thoughts concerning one's sense of identity might also result from an existential crisis. Some of the greatest existential philosophers and writers are Friedrick Nitzsche, Hegel, Soren Kierkegaard, Martin Heidegger, Jean-Paul Sartre, Karl Marx, Franz Kafka, Fyodor Dostoyevsky, Albert Camus and Simon de Beauvoir, etc. This novel The Folded Earth is written by Roy, a recent Sahitya Akademi Award winner, which traces the story of a young woman Maya who creates a new life for herself in the foothills of the Himalayas. It deals with how she becomes alone in her life and questions her existence in this world. It is a time of internal turmoil for Maya when she struggles with self-identity, meaning, and purpose in life. She fights with many traumatic experiences like alienation, anxiety, depression, identity crisis, etc. Then, after leaving her tragedy behind, he decides to go for exploring a new life. Thus, this novel explores the "new woman identity" in modern-day society. The theme of this novel is based on political and religious conflicts in society, patriarchal suppression, inequality, the psychological instincts of a person, identity crisis, and the desire for a new peaceful life. Although the novel has various themes the effect of existential crisis is dominant over the novel.

Dialogue with the World: Reflections on the Fate of Civilization and Personality in the Era of Global Transformations (Review)

In the review there is a dialogue of modern thinkers on the problems of the philosophy of civilization. In the era of global changes, the attention of researchers is focused on discussing the planetary nature of civilizational changes, the general dynamics of the world historical process and the place of Russia in it. Of particular interest are studies on Russia as a civilization, on the Russian path of civilizational development, on the search for civilizational identity, on the challenges of the time that Russia is facing today. The review includes a collective monograph “Civilization: the Polyphony of Meanings. Memoria” [2023], the book by G.S. Pomerants “The Roads of the Spirit and the Zigzags of History” [2008], and the book by I.S. Vdovina “Emmanuel Munier: Personality and Civilization” [2023]. The monographs presented in the review contribute to the understanding of the phenomenon of civilization, to reflections on the fate of civilization, culture, society, and man in the modern era.

Exploitation and Isolation in W.H. Auden’s The Age of Anxiety: An Existentialist Perspective

Existentialism is a philosophical belief that explores the issues of existence and questions on the identities. European ideological concern on existentialism was strongly brought into debate from 1930s to the late 90s. It discusses the views of two distinct groups of the philosophers: the theists, who believe in the existence of God first, and the atheists, who reject this view and propose the existence of humans first. The objective of this paper is to study about individual feelings, fears, and ideas related to socio-economic downfall and the structural loss of social prestige and position. It also deals with exploitation, isolation, domination, deprivation and it raises the questions on identity issues. Poverty, sexual exploitation, injustice and insecurity are the weapons of identity politics to seek the values of ‘I’ in existentialism. This study, applies Jean-Paul Sartre, Friedrich Nietzsche, Martin Heidegger, Soren Kierkegaard, Martin Buber, Gabriel Marcel and Karl Jaspers’ ideas explored in existentialist philosophy as methodological tools to analyze the experiences of Malin, Quant, Emble, and Rosetta in Auden’s ‘The Age of Anxiety.’

The Three Forms of Dostoevsky’s Philosophy

Abstract Dostoevsky’s novels contain rich and profound philosophical ideas that can be broadly categorized into three forms: moral philosophy, existential philosophy, and tragic philosophy. The core of moral philosophy is the doctrine of love, emphasizing selfless dedication and self-sacrifice. Existential philosophy opposes psychology to reason, declaring the legitimate rights of individual psychological freedom. Tragic philosophy further explores the deep ethical and moral question of whether individuals have the right to oppose the world in critical situations.

Leadership and the ethics of hope: Václav Havel and the Charter 77 human rights movement in Czechoslovakia

Hope as a feature in both authentic and spiritual leadership theory has become a diminished moral concept, departing from its philosophical and theological roots, and distorted by excessive positivity, success, instrumentalization, cultural bias, and ideology. Following Ciulla’s (2014) assertion that biography can do much to inform leadership theory, this paper contributes a richer understanding of hope through the though case of Václav Havel and the Charter 77 human rights movement in Czechoslovakia using French existentialist Gabriel Marcel’s ethics of hope. Five elements of Marcel’s philosophy demonstrate hope’s transforming vulnerability amidst technological control, relationship with despair, active presence, creative fidelity, and transcending power in love. Examining Czechoslovakia’s human rights movement through the lens of Marcellian ethics provides insight into the role of absurdity and truth-telling as a precursor to hope, taking responsibility for failure, overcoming fear through the “solidarity of the shaken,” creative fidelity through living in truth and using humor, and love manifesting as sacrifice and openness to seeing one’s contribution to the moral contamination of society under totalitarianism.

Revisiting Richard Ford’s The Sportswriter

ABSTRACT The character of Frank Bascombe, the narrator of The Sportswriter and four other works of fiction by Richard Ford (1944–), is generally celebrated as an exemplary survivor, known for his optimistic embrace of life’s simple possibilities. In this essay I argue that this view needs to be tempered with a rather darker estimation of his character in the novel. To achieve this, I invoke some of the basic tenets of existentialist philosophy.

Особенности темпоральности ориентированного на инновации человека

An important role belongs to the humanistic potential formed by creative abilities, moral and intellectual qualities of a person in the development of modern innovative processes. The article deals with the question of the innovative nature of man and the temporal foundations of his existence in the context of modern temporal issues. Conducting a comparative analysis of the interpretations of the categories of temporal issues helped to identify those meanings that lead to an awareness of the value of human innovation orientation. The most important role belongs to the spiritual potential in creativity, and its development directly depends on a person’s attitude to the temporality of his/her existence. In this regard, modern thinkers pay attention to the study of the antithesis of the trivial and unique in the temporal existence of man and the nature of repetition as a dilemma of the past and the future. Emphasizing the key importance of the moment in a person’s determination to follow a moral path, they answer the question of his/her belonging to the past, present or future. The conditions of innovation, which become obvious when a person orients himself/herself to the spiritual foundations of his/her being, are contained in each of the time modes. The author concluded that the nature of the temporal existence of an innovation-oriented person is distinguished by the uniqueness of its moments as the beginning of the production of new ideas, the unpredictability of the future and the variability of understanding of the past as a condition for free creative choice in the present moment. All these qualities are important in the development of modern innovations, as they ensure innovative continuity and the production of innovative ideas.

Non-Aristotelian Elements in Carl Menger's Methodology

Abstract According to the dominant interpretation, Carl Menger, the founder of the Austrian school, was an Aristotelian methodologist of social science. As this article attempts to demonstrate, this influence was not decisive in shaping Menger's methodology. In fact, Menger shared several core positions with modern thinkers. Such non-Aristotelian threads in Menger tackled in the article encompass his views on essentialism and realism, a priori knowledge, the classification of sciences, and scientific value-freedom, as well as methods of historical inquiry. As is shown, while unattachable to any specific philosophical school, those five elements constitute a fairly consistent, non-Aristotelian account of economic methodology.

The experience and implications of pain in systemic lupus erythematosus: A qualitative interview study focusing on the patient's perspective.

Pain is one of the most frequently reported symptoms and often one of the first subjective symptoms in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). A previous study indicated that most patients with SLE reported low levels of SLE-related pain. However, a subgroup of patients reported high levels of pain ≥40mm (0-100mm) and had a substantial symptom burden in terms of fatigue, anxiety, depression, and reduced health-related quality of life. Thus, there is a need to elucidate the implications of high levels of pain in everyday life. This study explored the patient's experiences and implications of SLE-related pain in daily life and the support requested from healthcare providers. A total of 20 patients, previously reported high levels of SLE-related pain intensity measuring ≥40mm (0-100mm) in a research context at one or two occasions participated in individual semi-structured interviews, which were transcribed and analysed with content analysis. The interviews revealed four main categories and 13 generic categories. SLE-associated pain was described by its multifaceted nature, exhibiting longstanding, unpredictable, migrating, and various physical sensations. The pain entailed multidimensional consequences, restricting everyday life by interfering with roles and relationships and causing various emotions, including existential thoughts. The informants used comprehensive strategies to deal with the pain, including their inner resources, support from family and significant others, and pharmaceuticals and relieving treatments. They expressed the need for security and acknowledgement, which involved individualized support and accessibility of healthcare. This study provides comprehensive insights into the nature and multifaceted impact of SLE-related pain in different dimensions of the informants' daily lives. Except for medications the informants used several strategies, including their inner resources and support from family and others, to manage the pain. Support requested from healthcare providers by the informants included understanding, compassion, individualized care and accessibility.

A Phenomenology of Authenticity in Prison Life: Kierkegaard and the Paradox of Freedom

This paper examines the lived experiences of selected inmates, some of whom have been released from the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City, Philippines, focusing on how incarceration has transformed their lives. Confronted with significant mental and emotional challenges, the inmates embraced a new life of faith amid the harsh realities of prison life. The researchers used the phenomenological method to collect narratives from these inmates and employ thematic analysis. The paper identifies underlying themes emerging from these narratives and, in its final section, reflects on them through the theoretical framework of existential philosopher Søren Kierkegaard. Kierkegaard's concepts of the paradoxical nature of despair and the three stages of life—the aesthetic, the ethical, and the religious—provide a lens for understanding the inmates' spiritual transformation through religious participation. By integrating these philosophical insights, the authors deepened the understanding of how prison experiences influence spiritual change. The inmates' journeys from despair to spiritual awakening illuminate the existential dynamics of human freedom, authenticity, and community, as articulated by Kierkegaard. Their narratives provide compelling evidence that even in a setting where freedom is ostensibly curtailed, individuals can achieve a profound sense of liberation by embracing their despair and taking a leap of faith.

Experiences and Fundamental Care Needs in Patients With Small Intestinal Neuroendocrine Tumours-An Interview Study in a Surgical Context.

The study aimed to describe patients' fundamental care needs and their experiences of nursing care, throughout surgical treatment of small intestinal neuroendocrine tumours. A qualitative descriptive study was performed. Patients' interviews (n = 19) were conducted in Sweden from May 2021 to January 2022 and analysed using directed qualitative content analysis guided by the Fundamentals of Care framework. The results are presented in three descriptive categories chronologically throughout the care chain. In the preoperative phase of care, the category was 'Feeling safe but lonely and frightened, and struggling with existential thoughts'; experiences in the postoperative phase of care resulted in the category 'Feeling cared for but suffering from physical symptoms and feelings of loneliness'; and the category in the discharge phase was 'Lacking self-care information and feeling worried about the future'. There were deficiencies in the delivery of fundamental care for patients with a rare tumour diagnosis throughout surgical treatment. Nursing care is mostly task focused and fragmented, and there is a lack of psychosocial and relational care across the care chain. Registered nurses and nursing managers need to take responsibility for their leadership in nursing care to fulfil patients' fundamental care needs. The Fundamentals of Care framework could be used for work improvements to include all aspects of nursing care. High-quality nursing care is needed throughout the care chain, including self-care after discharge, for patients with this rare tumour diagnosis. A higher awareness of patients' experiences and the importance of psychosocial support is warranted. Registered nurses and nursing managers must revise and improve routines to support patients' psychosocial needs. Registered nurses need to take responsibility for their leadership in nursing care to fulfil patients' fundamental care needs. What problem did the study address? This study highlights patients' fundamental care needs and experiences of nursing care throughout surgical treatment of small intestinal neuroendocrine tumours. What were the main findings? There are deficiencies in fulfilling patients' fundamental care needs across the care chain and in all dimensions of the Fundamental of Care framework throughout surgical treatment of small intestinal neuroendocrine tumours. Patients struggled with loneliness and existential thoughts, as well as worries about the future. Patients experienced a lack of information about plans for the day, self-care, and follow-ups. Where and on whom will the research have an impact? For clinicians to develop an understanding of, and improve, fundamental care needs for patients with small intestinal neuroendocrine tumours in a surgical context. For registered nurses to understand the importance of their leadership and nursing responsibility to fulfil fundamental care needs. The consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ): a 32-item checklist for interviews and focus groups. The patients shared their experiences during the interviews, which has contributed to a deeper knowledge and understanding of the phenomena under study.