Question:medium

Which options are TRUE of 'Existentialism'?
(A). Focus on radical individual freedom.
(B). Albert Camus and Jean-Paul Sartre are thinkers/writers associated with this movement.
(C). The absurdity of human existence is one of the major themes.
(D). Its immediate inspiration was the French Revolution.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Show Hint

Remember the existentialist mantra: "Existence precedes essence." This core idea directly leads to the themes of freedom, choice, responsibility, and the anxiety (or "angst") that comes with this radical freedom.
Updated On: Feb 18, 2026
  • (A), (B) and (C) only.
  • (A), (B) and (D) only.
  • (A), (B), (C) and (D).
  • (B), (C) and (D) only.
Show Solution

The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation


Step 1: Concept Overview:
The question requires identifying accurate statements about Existentialism, a significant philosophical and literary movement of the 20th century.

Step 2: Detailed Analysis:
Evaluating each statement:
\[\begin{array}{rl} \bullet & \text{(A) Focuses on radical individual freedom. CORRECT. Existentialism's core idea, "existence precedes essence," posits that individuals are born without a predetermined purpose and must define their lives through choices, emphasizing freedom and responsibility. } \\ \bullet & \text{(B) Albert Camus and Jean-Paul Sartre are associated thinkers/writers. CORRECT. Jean-Paul Sartre is a leading figure in existentialism. Albert Camus, though he resisted the label, is a key figure whose works (e.g., The Myth of Sisyphus) are foundational for exploring existential themes. } \\ \bullet & \text{(C) The absurdity of human existence is a major theme. CORRECT. Existentialists, especially Camus, explore the "absurd" – the conflict between humanity's search for meaning and the inability to find it in a meaningless universe. } \\ \bullet & \text{(D) Its immediate inspiration was the French Revolution. INCORRECT. Existentialism originates in 19th-century philosophers like Kierkegaard and Nietzsche, flourishing post-World Wars amid disillusionment and questioning of values. The French Revolution (1789) predates it significantly. } \\ \end{array}\]Therefore, statements (A), (B), and (C) are correct.

Step 3: Conclusion:
The correct answer is (A).

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