Summary Diff bw Absurdism and Naturalism in Literature
4 views 0 purchase
Course
Contract
Institution
Institute Of Education University Of London
"Exploring Absurdism and Naturalism: Unveiling the Irrational Universe and Embracing Natural Laws. Understand the clash between meaning and the universe's inherent absurdity. Dive into the philosophical theories that question existence and seek to find purpose within the chaos. Discover the signifi...
Absurdism: It is a philosophical theory that explores the notion that the universe is inherently
irrational and devoid of meaning. It posits that the pursuit of meaning often results in a clash
between individuals and the world around them. This conflict may manifest as a struggle
between rationality and the irrational nature of the universe, between intentions and outcomes, or
between subjective interpretations and objective value. Although the exact definition of
absurdism remains a subject of debate, it generally asserts that the entire world is fundamentally
absurd, as opposed to the view that only specific situations or phases of life are absurd.
Scholars and theorists delve into various components of the absurd, focusing on different aspects
in their research and definitions. At the practical level, the conflict inherent in absurdism is
characterized by an individual's quest to find meaning in a world that inherently lacks it. On the
theoretical side, the emphasis lies in the recognition that reason is incapable of fully
comprehending or penetrating reality. Traditionally, the conflict is framed as a clash between an
internal component, rooted in human nature, and an external component, derived from the nature
of the world. However, some theorists propose that both components may be internal,
encompassing the capacity to perceive the arbitrariness of ultimate purposes and the inability to
stop caring about such purposes. Certain accounts also introduce a metacognitive element,
suggesting that awareness of the conflict is necessary for the experience of absurdity.
Supporters of absurdism put forth arguments that highlight human insignificance in the vast
universe, the role of death, or the irrationality of positing an ultimate purpose. Critics of
absurdism often argue that life does possess meaning, pointing out perceived problems or
inconsistencies within the theory. They lament the relative lack of attention the philosophy
receives from professional philosophers, given its importance and potential psychological
impact, which can lead to existential crises in affected individuals. Various responses to address
absurdism and its impact have been proposed. The traditional absurdist literature outlines three
responses: suicide, religious belief in a higher purpose, and rebellion against the absurd. Among
these, rebellion is typically presented as the recommended response, as it acknowledges and
confronts the absurd rather than evading it. Later theorists have suggested additional responses,
such as adopting irony to adopt a less serious perspective on life or remaining ignorant of the
conflicting nature of existence. Some absurdist argue that the manner in which one responds is
ultimately inconsequential, positing that if nothing truly matters, then the human response to this
fact is also insignificant.
Naturalism: In the realm of philosophy, naturalism is the belief that the universe operates
solely according to natural laws and forces, without the involvement of supernatural entities.
Steven Lockwood, a philosopher, distinguishes naturalism into ontological and methodological
senses. Ontologically, naturalism is often equated with materialism, considering nature to be best
understood through material principles such as mass, energy, and other physical and chemical
properties recognized by the scientific community. This perspective rejects the existence of
spirits, deities, or ghosts and denies any inherent purpose in nature. It is commonly known as
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller mehakbajwa388. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for $8.49. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
