We discussed how philosophers who may at first seem unrelated are grouped as existentialists because existentialism is a movement rather than a strict school of thought.  Kierkegaard, often considered the Father of Existentialism, was a Lutheran whose faith prioritised emotion and a deep commitment to his personal faith over ritual or scientific rationale.  We highlighted the significance of a philosopher’s background—referred to as "situatedness"—and how, although our freedom is absolute, it always operates within a specific context.  The Social Contract was also considered, noting how individuals trade some freedoms for security so we don't have the absolute freedom described by existentialists.

Turning to Albert Camus, an atheist known for the phrase "We are condemned to be free," we reviewed his work "The Myth of Sisyphus" as a metaphor for the absurdity of human existence and the search for meaning.  The group reflected on whether life can have meaning without God, considering religion as both a source of meaning and, at times, a psychological crutch. Camus’s assertion that "existence precedes essence" made us consider our personal responsibility for our own choices, morals, and values in a world without inherent meaning.  Are we born as a blank slate? 

References

- Freddie Flintoff's Field of Dreams  (BBC) – Giving purpose to teenagers’ lives

- I Fought the Law* (ITV) – Explores the fight for justice