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Introduction to Existentialist Thought

Philosophy

A look at the foundational concepts and historical figures of the existentialist philosophical movement.

philosophy existentialism history

8 Questions Hard Ages 5+ Aug 18, 2026

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About this Study Set

This study set covers Philosophy through 8 practice questions. A look at the foundational concepts and historical figures of the existentialist philosophical movement. Every question includes the correct answer so you can learn as you go — pick any format above to get started.

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1 Which 19th-century philosopher is widely considered the father of existentialism and focused on the importance of individual subjective experience?

A Soren Kierkegaard
B John Locke
C David Hume
D Adam Smith

2 In existentialist philosophy, what term describes the idea that individuals define their own essence through their actions and choices?

A Determinism
B Existence precedes essence
C Tabula rasa
D Natural law

3 Jean-Paul Sartre famously stated that because there is no pre-determined purpose for humans, people are 'condemned to' what?

A Happiness
B Ignorance
C Freedom
D Suffering

4 Which French philosopher and writer was a key figure in 20th-century existentialism and wrote the play 'No Exit'?

A Albert Camus
B Jean-Paul Sartre
C Friedrich Nietzsche
D Simone de Beauvoir

5 Friedrich Nietzsche famously proclaimed the death of which concept, which existentialists argue forces individuals to create their own values?

A The state
B God
C Science
D Tradition

6 Existentialists often emphasize the individual's experience of 'angst' or 'anxiety.' In this context, what does this anxiety usually stem from?

A Fear of spiders
B Lack of oxygen
C Radical freedom and responsibility
D Biological hunger

7 Which author, known for the novel 'The Stranger,' is associated with the existentialist-linked philosophy of absurdism?

A Albert Camus
B Franz Kafka
C Fyodor Dostoevsky
D Martin Heidegger

8 Simone de Beauvoir, a prominent existentialist, is best known for her foundational work in which field of philosophy?

A The philosophy of physics
B Feminist existentialism
C Political economics
D Stoic logic

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