Existentialism and Phenomenology Existentialism originally began with the ill economic and social conditions of the nineteenth century. Life was very difficult in many places in the world and people began to question why things happen and whether they happen for a reason at all. Philosophers of that time felt that traditional and academic philosophy of that time was sterile and not relevant to real life. Existentialism was founded on the belief that philosophy must focus on the individual and the experiences of the individual not with what is unknown such as the beliefs of a higher power. Existentialist believe that the world is irrational land absurd and the reason for things occurring can not be explained because they also were not sure or did not believe in the existence of god. This lack of faith in another realm created the illusion that since there is no god then there is no explanation or reason for anything that we may experience as humans. They feel that no explanation can be given on why the world is the way that it is. This lack of faith also breeds certain human feelings such as anxiety and despair. The most important thing to them is evaluating how an individual chooses to live their life amongst the absurdity of this life and on the decisions they make within this irrational world. Existentialists feel that humans are living a self-deceptive world and are ignorant to the unfortunate truths of the world because they choose to. This type of ignorance can be considered bliss by many because sometimes the unfortunate truths of the world are too unbearable to face. One would live a less cynical life and have hope rather than anxiety and despair. To not know of these truths one is considered ignorant and self-deceiving but I would have to say that they are aware of such truth but refuse to let them dictate how they live their life. Soren Kierkegaard emphasized the individual and the human will in which to make important decisions with in an irrational...