existential philosopher
- noun
- /ɪɡˈzɪstɛnʃəl fɪˈlɒsəfə/
:
filósofo existencial
- As an existential philosopher, she believed that individuals must create their own meaning in life.
Examples
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Jean-Paul Sartre is often considered the most influential existential philosopher of the twentieth century.
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Jean-Paul Sartre was a famous existential philosopher.
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Many students are drawn to the works of an existential philosopher because of their focus on personal freedom and responsibility.
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Many existential philosophers explore themes of freedom.
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As an existential philosopher, she believed that individuals must create their own meaning in life.
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Many students are drawn to the works of an existential philosopher because of their focus on personal freedom and responsibility.
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Jean-Paul Sartre is often considered the most influential existential philosopher of the twentieth century.
Synonyms
157
6.1
A person who studies ideas about life, knowledge, and values
3
9.2
A philosopher or writer who thinks people must make their own meaning and accept responsibility for their choices
A person who says people must make their own meaning in a world without given purpose
Surface Forms
Morphology
The phrase is directly compositional: 'existential' (concerned with existence) modifies 'philosopher' (a person who studies philosophy), so a learner who knows both words can infer it denotes a philosopher focused on existence. The ADJ+NOUN pattern is common cross-linguistically and the basic meaning is predictable, even if deeper philosophical nuances require more background.
Etymology
The phrase existential philosopher paints a picture of a lone thinker asking 'Why am I here?'. The part existential points to 'existence' and philosopher to someone who asks deep questions, so it means a philosopher who studies 'individual freedom', 'responsibility', and the difficult questions about life.