Final Essay Instructions
Over the course of the semester we will have looked at four of the seminal authors that make up
what is called existentialism. More than once we have tried to relate the concepts and ideas that
these authors have discussed into some practical focus, either through the application of a
particular existential tenets as an ethic, a way of living life, or as an attitude toward life.
Instruction:
In your final essay, write about this question:
Can existentialism be incorporated into the day to day reality of a person living in our society? If
so, what compromises might be required, for example, what aspects of life can be conducted
with authenticity, knowing that most of us, most of the time, will not live authentically.
How to Proceed:
In order to answer that question, I’d like you to use the work you did in your journals, extending
it such that it breaks the barrier of the existential philosophy and becomes the existential life.
You may, of course, disagree with that possibility, in which case your essay should take the form
of the critique of existentialism and why you feel it cannot be adopted.
Sources:
As far as sources and research are concerned, you need not go beyond the material in the
book, there is plenty there, but if you see fit, by all means bring in secondary sources that will
help you make your point. One caution though, this essay, like the journals, is intended to give
you the opportunity to explain how you see this, so use secondary sources only insofar as they
support your position, not to lead that position.
Form:
This is a position paper, so it should have a clear thesis and explanation of how you will
proceed. Your essay should fall in the 8-9 page range. Issues will require substantial
explanation and examples, so plan your essay carefully and get in touch with me if you find
yourself at an impasse.