Continental Philosophy Essay

Continental Philosophy Essay

Continental Philosophy Essay

Axia College of University of Phoenix








The European response to Hegelian idealism was the development of Continental philosophy. Continental philosophy focuses on different philosophical thoughts. Although there are five main thoughts, we will concentrate on only two of the influential schools: existentialism and phenomenology. We will also focus on the key contributors of both existentialism and phenomenology.
Existentialism and phenomenology started in the nineteenth century, but it can be found in as early as Socrates and pre-Socratic period. Existentialism focuses on the various problems that humans face about existence and how to live in an absurd and irrational world. These problems are called the existential predicament and there is no promise for a solution. Unless an individual deals with these problems, they will not find significance or worth in life. As stated in our text book by Moore and Bruder, “Confronting the assorted problems of human existence, life can only deteriorate— that without struggling doggedly with these problems, the individual will find no meaning or value in life.” The rise of Continental philosophy brought about new philosophers. The key contributors to Existentialism include: Søren Kierkegaard, Friedrich Nietzsche, Albert Camus, and Jean-Paul Sartre.
Søren Kierkegaard focused on the individual’s will and their need to make important decisions.   Moore and Bruder stated, “Kierkegaard was almost entirely concerned with how and what the individual actually chooses in the face of doubt and uncertainty.” Kierkegaard believed that facing these important choices will ultimately bring the individual grief and despair. He also believed that the only salvation from this grief and despair was a commitment to the infinite and to God.
Friedrich Nietzsche believed that it was cosmic will and not reason that ruled the world.   He believed that unless an individual had a will-to-power, they...