Lesson 2: Existential Psychology-Freedom, Meaning, and Authenticity
Transcript
Hello and welcome to Lesson 2 of my free course, “Introduction to Kantian Existential Psychology.” This is RJ Starr and today we’re going to explore existential psychology as freedom, meaning, and authenticity.
While Kant’s moral philosophy provides a structured framework for understanding ethical behavior, it also intersects with existentialist themes in important ways. Both Kant and the existentialists emphasize the importance of individual freedom and responsibility, though they define these concepts differently. For Kant, freedom is the ability to act according to reason and universal moral laws; for existentialists, it is the raw, often overwhelming freedom to define one’s own values and purpose. Despite these differences, both perspectives recognize that being human involves grappling with difficult choices and taking responsibility for one’s actions.
Consider, for example, the existentialist idea of authenticity — the concept of living in accordance with one’s true self and values, rather than conforming to societal expectations. While existentialists like Jean-Paul Sartre framed authenticity as a personal, subjective endeavor, it is not entirely divorced from Kant’s emphasis on acting according to principles we give ourselves through reason. In both traditions, the individual plays an active role in shaping their life and making decisions that reflect their values. This shared emphasis on agency and self-determination is deeply relevant to psychology, particularly in areas like therapy and personal development.
Kant’s focus on moral duty also resonates with existentialist ideas about the responsibility of choice. Sartre famously declared that “man is condemned to be free,” highlighting the weight of responsibility that comes with the freedom to make choices. For Sartre, this freedom can be both empowering and paralyzing, as it forces individuals to confront the consequences of their decisions. Kant’s philosophy, while more structured, acknowledges a similar tension: the freedom to act according to reason comes with the responsibility to choose actions that align with universal moral principles. This idea is reflected in psychological research on decision-making and moral dilemmas, which often explores the conflict between personal desires and ethical obligations.
To illustrate these ideas in practice, consider the field of clinical psychology, where therapists often help clients navigate ethical and existential dilemmas. A client struggling with guilt over a past mistake, for example, might benefit from exploring both Kantian and existentialist perspectives. From a Kantian standpoint, the client could reflect on how their actions aligned — or failed to align — with their moral principles, and what steps they can take to act more ethically in the future. From an existentialist standpoint, the client might explore how their choices reflect their authentic values and how they can take responsibility for shaping their future. Both approaches emphasize the individual’s capacity for growth and change, offering valuable tools for fostering self-awareness and resilience.
Kant’s moral philosophy also has implications for understanding the psychological experience of guilt and shame. Guilt, which arises from the recognition that one has violated a moral principle, can be understood through Kant’s framework of duty and responsibility. In contrast, shame, which involves feeling fundamentally flawed or unworthy, may be more closely related to existentialist concerns about authenticity and self-worth. By integrating these perspectives, psychologists can develop a more nuanced understanding of these emotions and their impact on behavior.
Finally, Kant’s philosophy invites us to consider the role of morality in building a meaningful life. While existentialists often focus on the individual’s search for meaning in a chaotic and uncertain world, Kant offers a more structured vision: a life guided by reason, moral principles, and respect for the dignity of others. This vision has profound implications for psychology, particularly in the study of well-being and flourishing. Research on eudaimonic well-being, for example, suggests that living in accordance with one’s values and contributing to the greater good are key components of a fulfilling life. These findings echo Kant’s belief that morality is not just a set of rules to follow, but a path to human flourishing.
As we continue our exploration of Kantian philosophy and existentialism, we will see how these ideas converge and diverge in their treatment of freedom, autonomy, and meaning. By examining these philosophical traditions through the lens of psychology, we can deepen our understanding of the human experience and the complex interplay between thought, behavior, and emotion. Whether you are studying moral development, therapeutic practices, or personal growth, Kant’s philosophy offers valuable insights that remain as relevant today as they were in the 18th century.
Existentialism: Core Concepts and Philosophical Roots
Psychology, as you’ve already begun to see, does not operate in isolation. It draws from philosophy to understand the intricacies of human existence, particularly the lived experiences of individuals navigating freedom, choice, and the search for meaning. Existentialism, a philosophical movement that arose in the 19th and 20th centuries, delves deeply into these themes, challenging us to confront the realities of existence in all their complexity. For first-year psychology students, existentialism offers a rich lens through which to examine the human condition; it grapples with concepts such as freedom, anxiety, authenticity, and purpose, many of which are foundational to both psychological theory and practice.
Unlike Kant’s structured, universal approach to ethics, existentialism is intensely personal and subjective. The movement is not a single, cohesive school of thought but rather a tapestry of ideas developed by thinkers like Søren Kierkegaard, Friedrich Nietzsche, Martin Heidegger, Jean-Paul Sartre, and Simone de Beauvoir. While their philosophies differ in significant ways, they share a common focus: the experience of being human in a world that offers no inherent meaning or guarantees. For psychology students, this exploration of existence resonates with the study of individual differences, emotional struggles, and the ways people construct meaning in their lives.
At its core, existentialism begins with the premise that “existence precedes essence,” a phrase popularized by Sartre. This idea challenges the notion that humans are born with a predetermined purpose or nature. Instead, it suggests that we are thrust into existence without a clear roadmap, left to define ourselves through our choices and actions. In psychological terms, this emphasis on choice and self-definition aligns with theories of identity development, such as Erik Erikson’s stages of psychosocial development. Erikson’s concept of identity formation, which often takes center stage during adolescence and young adulthood, reflects existentialism’s concern with the question, “Who am I, and who do I want to become?”
However, the freedom to shape our own lives is both exhilarating and burdensome. Existentialists highlight the profound responsibility that comes with this freedom; with no external authority to dictate our choices, we must confront the consequences of our actions. Sartre famously described this as the “burden of freedom,” an idea that parallels psychological theories of agency and self-determination. When you study self-determination theory, for example, you will encounter the idea that autonomy — the ability to make choices aligned with one’s values — is a fundamental psychological need. Yet, as existentialists remind us, autonomy often comes with the discomfort of uncertainty and the possibility of failure.
One of the most significant concepts in existentialism is angst, or existential anxiety. Unlike the anxiety we experience in response to specific threats, existential angst arises from the realization that life is inherently uncertain and that we bear the ultimate responsibility for our choices. Imagine standing at a crossroads in your life, unsure which path to take; this feeling of unease, of being overwhelmed by the possibilities before you, is existential angst. In psychology, this concept is closely related to research on decision-making, as well as studies on anxiety disorders that explore the tension between freedom and fear.
Another key theme in existentialism is authenticity. For existentialists, authenticity means living in accordance with one’s true self and values rather than conforming to societal expectations or external pressures. Heidegger, for instance, distinguished between living authentically — embracing the realities of existence — and living inauthentically, where one avoids responsibility by adhering to the status quo. In psychological terms, authenticity is often linked to well-being and self-concept. Carl Rogers, a prominent figure in humanistic psychology, emphasized the importance of congruence between one’s self-perception and lived experience. When individuals feel that their actions align with their inner values, they are more likely to experience psychological health and fulfillment.
Nietzsche, another influential existentialist, took the idea of authenticity a step further with his concept of the Übermensch, or “overman.” Nietzsche argued that individuals should strive to transcend societal norms and create their own values, embracing life’s challenges with courage and creativity. While Nietzsche’s philosophy can seem daunting, it offers valuable insights for psychology students. It encourages us to think critically about the social and cultural influences that shape behavior and to consider how individuals can reclaim agency in the face of adversity.
Existentialism also addresses the themes of isolation and connection. Sartre’s famous assertion that “hell is other people” captures the tension between our desire for independence and our need for relationships. In psychology, this tension is explored in attachment theory, which examines how early relationships shape our ability to form secure connections with others. Existential therapists, influenced by these ideas, often work with clients to navigate feelings of isolation and to build meaningful relationships without losing their sense of self.
Kierkegaard, often considered the father of existentialism, approached these themes from a deeply personal and spiritual perspective. He saw the search for meaning as fundamentally tied to one’s relationship with the divine. For Kierkegaard, the act of making a “leap of faith” into belief was a way of confronting the uncertainties of life and finding purpose. While his focus on faith may seem distinct from psychology, his insights into the human experience of doubt, despair, and hope remain profoundly relevant. Psychologists today often explore similar themes, particularly in areas like positive psychology, which examines the role of hope and resilience in human flourishing.
Existentialism’s focus on meaning and purpose has had a significant impact on psychology, particularly in the development of existential therapy. Viktor Frankl, a Holocaust survivor and psychiatrist, drew heavily on existentialist ideas to create logotherapy, a therapeutic approach that helps individuals find meaning even in the face of suffering. Frankl’s work demonstrates how existential philosophy can be applied in practical ways to address psychological challenges. For example, a client experiencing a midlife crisis may struggle with questions like, “What is the purpose of my life?” or “Have I made the right choices?” An existential therapist might encourage the client to explore these questions, helping them to identify their values and to take steps toward a more meaningful existence.
In addition to its therapeutic applications, existentialism offers valuable insights for understanding broader psychological phenomena. For instance, the existential concept of death awareness — the recognition that our lives are finite — has been explored extensively in research on terror management theory. This theory suggests that our awareness of mortality influences our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in profound ways, often motivating us to seek meaning, pursue goals, or connect with others. Understanding this dynamic can help psychologists develop interventions that support individuals facing existential concerns, such as those coping with terminal illness or significant life transitions.
For psychology students, existentialism provides a framework for grappling with some of the most difficult yet fundamental questions about human existence. It invites us to reflect on the choices we make, the values we hold, and the ways we navigate uncertainty and adversity. Whether you are studying clinical psychology, social psychology, or developmental psychology, the themes of freedom, authenticity, and meaning are likely to emerge time and again, offering opportunities to apply existential insights to real-world challenges.
As we move forward in this exploration of Kantian existentialism, we will begin to see how these two philosophical traditions converge and diverge in their treatment of autonomy, morality, and human agency. While Kant offers a structured, rational approach to understanding ethical behavior, existentialism reminds us of the deeply personal and often messy realities of living a human life. Together, these perspectives provide a richer understanding of the human experience, one that bridges the gap between universal principles and individual subjectivity.