> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://isubasinghe.gitbook.io/isithas-wiki/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://isubasinghe.gitbook.io/isithas-wiki/philosophy/existentialism.md). # existentialism ## Basic idea 20th-century European movement holding that existence precedes essence — humans first exist, then define themselves through choice. Meaning is not given; it must be made in the face of an indifferent or absurd universe. ## Key tenets * Existence precedes essence (Sartre). * Radical freedom and the inescapable responsibility it brings. * Authenticity vs. bad faith / inauthenticity. * The Absurd — the gap between our craving for meaning and the world's silence. --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter: ``` GET https://isubasinghe.gitbook.io/isithas-wiki/philosophy/existentialism.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.