Existentialism vs. Nihilism — What's the Difference?

Absurdity.

Pessimism.

Authenticity.

Rejection of Morality.

Search for Meaning.

Meaninglessness.

Individual Freedom.

Skepticism.

Responsibility.

Detachment.

Existentialism ( or ) is a form of philosophical inquiry that explores the problem of human existence and centers on the experience of thinking, feeling, and acting. In the view of the existentialist, the individual's starting point has been called "the existential angst," a sense of dread, disorientation, confusion, or anxiety in the face of an apparently meaningless or absurd world.

Nihilism (; from Latin nihil 'nothing') is a philosophy, or family of views within philosophy, expressing negation (i.e., denial of) towards general aspects of life that are widely accepted within humanity as objectively real, such as knowledge, existence, and the meaning of life. Different nihilist positions hold variously that human values are baseless, that life is meaningless, that knowledge is impossible, or that some set of entities do not exist, are meaningless, or pointless.The study of nihilism may regard it as merely a label that has been applied to various separate philosophies, or as a distinct historical concept arising out of nominalism, skepticism, and philosophical pessimism, as well as possibly out of Christianity itself.

A philosophy that emphasizes the uniqueness and isolation of the individual experience in a hostile or indifferent universe, regards human existence as unexplainable, and stresses freedom of choice and responsibility for the consequences of one's acts.

(Philosophy) The doctrine that nothing actually exists or that existence or values are meaningless.

A twentieth-century philosophical movement emphasizing the uniqueness of each human existence in freely making its self-defining choices.

Relentless negativity or cynicism suggesting an absence of values or beliefs

The philosophical views of a particular thinker associated with the existentialist movement.

Political belief or action that advocates or commits violence or terrorism without discernible constructive goals.

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.

Also Nihilism A diffuse, revolutionary movement of mid-19th-century Russia that scorned authority and tradition and believed in reason, materialism, and radical change in society and government through terrorism and assassination.

(philosophy) a 20th-century philosophical movement; assumes that people are entirely free and thus responsible for what they make of themselves

(Psychiatry) A delusion, experienced in some mental disorders, that the world or one's mind, body, or self does not exist.

The view that all endeavours are devoid of objective meaning.

The rejection of, or opposition to, religious beliefs, (inherent or objective) moral principles, legal rules, etc., often due to the view that life is meaningless (sense 1).

The rejection of non-proven or non-rationalized assertions in the social and political spheres of society.

A delusion that oneself or the world, or parts thereof, have ceased to exist.

Alternative case form of Nihilism

A doctrine grounded on the negation of one or more meaningful aspects of life; in particular, the view that nothing in the world actually exists.

(countable) Something that is regarded as meaningless.

Nothingness; nihility.

The doctrine that nothing can be known; scepticism as to all knowledge and all reality.

The theories and practices of the Nihilists.

A revolutionary doctrine that advocates destruction of the social system for its own sake

The delusion that things (or everything, including the self) do not exist; a sense that everything is unreal

Complete denial of all established authority and institutions

While commonly associated with pessimism, some interpret nihilism as freeing, removing arbitrary constraints on thought and behavior.

Existentialism finds meaning through individual choice, while nihilism denies inherent meaning in life.

While they share some underlying themes, their core tenets are often seen as opposing, making reconciliation difficult.

Existentialism doesn't inherently reject or accept the existence of God; it focuses on individual existence and choice.

Nihilists often view ethics and morality as subjective constructs without inherent truth or value.

Existentialism emphasizes freedom of choice and the responsibility that comes with it as central to human existence.

By finding or creating personal meaning and living authentically, existentialism suggests individuals can achieve fulfillment.

Authenticity involves living according to one’s own values and beliefs, rather than conforming to societal expectations.

Nihilism argues that life has no predetermined purpose or inherent value.

While nihilism suggests life lacks objective meaning, individuals may still create subjective meanings for themselves.

Absurdity highlights the contrast between humans' desire for meaning and the silent, indifferent universe, prompting a search for personal significance.

Because they view these values as lacking objective foundation or inherent meaning.

Society influences individuals, but existentialists emphasize personal responsibility in defining one’s essence beyond social constructs.

While both address life’s apparent lack of inherent meaning, existentialism is action-oriented and optimistic about creating personal meaning, unlike nihilism.

The concept that individuals are free to make their own choices and define their existence.