existentialism

• POS: Noun
• HYPHEN: ex=is=ten=tial=ism

CIDE DICTIONARY

existentialism, n. 

 a philosophical theory or attitude having various interpretations, generally emphasising the existence of the individual as a unique agent with free will and responsibility for his or her own acts, though living in a universe devoid of any certain knowledge of right and wrong; from one's plight as a free agent with uncertain guidelines may arise feelings of anguish. Existentialism is concerned more with concrete existence rather than abstract theories of essences; is contrasted with rationalism and empiricism; and is associated with Kierkegaard, Heidegger and Sartre, as well as others.  [PJC]

OXFORD DICTIONARY

existentialism, n. a philosophical theory emphasizing the existence of the individual person as a free and responsible agent determining his or her own development.

Derivative

existentialist n.

Etymology

G Existentialismus (as EXISTENTIAL)