existentialism

 
Pronunciation: /ɛgzɪˈstɛnʃ(ə)lɪz(ə)m/

noun

[mass noun]
  • a philosophical theory or approach which emphasizes the existence of the individual person as a free and responsible agent determining their own development through acts of the will.

Derivatives

existentialist

noun & adjective

Origin:

translating Danish existents-forhold 'condition of existence' (frequently used by Kierkegaard), from existential