The 20th century, with its two great wars, various depressions, and increased sense of meaninglessness, brought about a revolution in how the individual copes with life. Existentialism is the idea that there is no hardwiring inside of you that can tell you what you ought to do in any given situation-you are totally free. On that note, since you are free, there is also no ultimate reason why you should do anything at all. Even more, since you are an absolutely unique individual, YOU are the only one who can make your decisions. You are responsible for answering a world that cannot tell you how to be. Existentialism also marked a high point in intellectual literature, art and academic public life; university professors were social rock stars and major philosophical issues were dealt with in the theatre. This semester we will pick up these themes, which are still very alive today, by picking up and concerning ourselves with the major writings
and central authors of this amazing historical movement.