Existentialism Critical Theory Postmoderism

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Existence comes first – reality is what we make of it. Everyday life goes on whether we want it to or not – we constantly have to make decisions. No choice is a choice. If we do not make choices – other people make our reality – we are not better than an object. Challenge everyday life – set traditions, authority. Ask Why? Ask “Can this be different?” Figure out what can be changed, and then change it. If we do not do this, we are guilty of “bad faith” (we’re deceiving ourselves). Rules – should act in good faith. Should make decisions with thought. Freedom is important. We cannot impinge on people’s freedom. Need for tolerance, need to work to improve the world. Authenticity – to accept what you are and respect what other people are. Changing what you can change. Only two certainties in life – 1) I am unique, 2) life can be agreeable Existential “angst”. Everything is absurd, so we can change everything, and everything is possible. We can be whatever we want to be. We have to question every decision we make. We have to take responsibility for our choices. Acting spontaneously. We are creatures of habit, so it is difficult to make constant decisions. No external authority judging the person. (1) Christian existentialism. It’s okay to be religious, but that commitment should be constantly examined and made. (2) There does not need to be an external authority – the person answers to their own conscience. Secular humanism. Cannot judge others because they are different from us or because they make different choices than we would. Ignore stereotypes that you have learned.

Critical Theory • People in power have controlled educational materials. • Maintain the “status quo”. In general, education is a very conservative undertaking – slow to change. So same groups of people remain in power. Knowledge is power. • Education should work to change the status quo – share the knowledge. Bring in outside information, you work to change what is taught. Bring in new writing, modern ideas,

introduce students to the idea that they can have power and make changes.