the Meaning of existence

RUNNING HEAD : THE MEANING OF EXISTENCE The Meaning of Existence according to Kierkegaard and Nietzsche (name (university name

Abstract

This seeks to discuss the meaning of human existence based on the ideas of Friedrich Nietzsche and Soren Kierkegaard . Moreover , it seeks to enumerate the tenets of their philosophy that relate to how one is supposed to regard his existence in this world

Introduction

The 19th century was the period of enlightenment and the time when man asked the more important questions of freedom , liberty and free will . It was also the

time when man sought to know the meaning of his existence This question had been answered by numerous philosophers through the ages since the Greek Sophists but was only given more significance and clarity by two philosophers - The German proponent of the Superman Friedrich Nietzsche , and the Danish defender of faith , Soren Kierkegaard

Nietzsche 's Naturalistic Definition of Existence

The Nietzschean concept of existence is one that is against the Judeo-Christian ethic of humility , compassion and equality . In short , it opposes the Christian idea of love and instead it is based on power . The concepts of love , equality and democracy are considered by Nietzsche to be against the grains of survival (Durant , 1965 ,

. 402 ) but those of power and genius are said to be the reason why the species continue to exist

Will to Power and Superiority . Nietzsche 's philosophy teaches one that all living things basically exist because of their will to power , and this will...