Book: Existentialism

Introduction
" Existentialism" (1948) is a seminal work by Italian thinker Nicola Abbagnano that offers an extensive look into the existentialist approach. Existentialism is a philosophical movement that occurred in the mid-twentieth century, concentrating on the nature of human presence and specific liberty. The book covers the development of existentialism as a philosophical custom, its main ideas, and the contributions of essential thinkers such as Søren Kierkegaard, Friedrich Nietzsche, Jean-Paul Sartre, and Martin Heidegger.

Origins and Development
Abbagnano traces the roots of existentialism to the 19th-century works of Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, and Dostoevsky. These thinkers turned down the standard rationalist understanding of humanity and truth, arguing rather that specific human experiences, options, and feelings play a main function in shaping truth. Throughout the early 20th century, existentialism got momentum with the works of theorists such as Karl Jaspers, Martin Heidegger, Jean-Paul Sartre, and Albert Camus.

Existentialism became a reaction to the restrictions of both rationalism and idealism. Rationalism held that reason provided the basis for figuring out truth and understanding, whereas idealism asserted that truth might be comprehended mostly through abstract ideas. Abbagnano argues that existentialism established as a way to reintegrate the individual's concrete, lived experience into philosophical query.

Key Themes
In his book, Abbagnano talks about numerous key themes of existentialist viewpoint:

1. Existence vs. Essence: Existentialism posits that an individual's existence is more essential than their essence (the abstract qualities that define an individual). This notion remains in direct contrast with the traditional philosophical view that an individual is specified by their essence, which predetermines their presence.

2. Subjectivity and Individuality: According to existentialism, individuals are eventually accountable for constructing the meaning of their presence through their subjective experiences, thoughts, feelings, and options. By stressing the originality of specific experiences and point of views, existentialism highlights the value of personal flexibility and responsibility.

3. Stress and anxiety and the Awareness of Mortality: Existentialists emphasize the inevitability of death and the fundamental stress and anxiety that accompanies human existence. This awareness of our mortality inspires us to actively develop significance in our lives and engage authentically with the world around us.

4. The Absurd: The principle of the absurd is main to existentialism and describes the evident disconnect in between our search for meaning and the seemingly indifferent universe. The awareness of the absurd can lead to sensations of despair, however it can also work as an effective inspirational force that pushes us to accept our freedom and create meaning in the middle of the turmoil.

5. Flexibility and Responsibility: Existentialism views personal liberty and obligation as linked principles. Through our choices, we identify the course of our lives and bear the responsibility for the repercussions of our actions.

Secret Thinkers
Throughout "Existentialism", Abbagnano goes over the works and concepts of several popular existentialist theorists:

1. Søren Kierkegaard: Frequently thought about the daddy of existentialism, the Danish theorist Kierkegaard saw faith and individual experience as central to understanding the human condition. His explorations of personal faith, stress and anxiety, and misery contributed considerably to the development of existentialist thought.

2. Friedrich Nietzsche: The German philosopher Nietzsche turned down standard morality and welcomed the idea of the "will to power", arguing that individuals ought to aim to craft their own worths and assert their uniqueness.

3. Jean-Paul Sartre: A leading existentialist philosopher and playwright, Sartre's works like "Being and Nothingness" contributed in promoting existentialism. Sartre checked out themes of credibility, personal duty, and the inherent liberty of humans.

4. Martin Heidegger: As a renowned German thinker, Heidegger contributed substantially to existentialism through his innovative work, "Being and Time". Heidegger stressed the significance of temporality and the individual's engagement with the world as key elements of the human experience.

In conclusion, "Existentialism" by Nicola Abbagnano provides an insightful evaluation of the existentialist custom, highlighting the main themes and contributions of crucial thinkers in the field. The book serves as an important resource for those interested in understanding the intricate history and concepts of existentialist philosophy.