The Role of Societal Institutions in Shaping Purpose and Meaning in Existentialism and the Dichotomy of Formal Education

The purpose of societal institutions such as political, legal, educational, and religious institutions is profound in shaping the purpose and meaning of life. These institutions act as frameworks that govern societal behavior, dictate legal norms, provide an educational foundation, and offer moral and philosophical guidance. However, when faced with the existentialist philosophy, these very institutions come under scrutiny. Existentialism asserts that individuals are responsible for creating their own purpose, meaning, and values, and not by external authorities. This essay explores the tension between these societal institutions and existentialist thought, as well as the role of formal education in reinforcing or challenging these beliefs.

The Role of Societal Institutions

Political institutions dictate how a country should be administered and financed. They ensure governance, stability, and the distribution of resources. Legal institutions, on the other hand, ensure that the will of these political institutions is obeyed and adhered to. They provide the structures and frameworks necessary for justice and the rule of law. Educational institutions guide and nurture young minds, preparing them for their roles within society. These institutions instill values, provide knowledge, and prepare individuals for their future endeavors. Religious institutions offer a different perspective, providing a moral and philosophical umbrella for society. They provide meaning and values based on spiritual and ethical beliefs.

Existentialism and the Individual

Existentialism is the philosophical belief that individuals are responsible for creating their own purpose, meaning, and values in life. It argues that our purpose and meaning are not given to us by divine, governmental, or educational authorities. Instead, they arise from our capacity for awareness and acceptance. This capacity enables individuals to initiate the process of individualization, becoming self-reliant adults capable of taking action without antagonism. Existentialism emphasizes the importance of taking responsibility for one's own actions and the realities that shape one's life.

The Dichotomy of Formal Education

Formal education plays a significant role in shaping our understanding of the world, including our beliefs about purpose and meaning. It is the primary source of information and the prevailing paradigm that most people rely on for making choices and drawing intentions. However, this formal education can also breed uncertainty and doubt. For instance, the limited accuracy of phenomenology, as demonstrated by Martin Heidegger, shows the inherent limitations of our knowledge and understanding.

Formal education is based on language, which conveys intended meanings through inner speech and speech acts. This allows us to deal with probable truths and manifest the one most likely to be the truth. However, this dichotomy between what we know and what we perceive leaves us uncertain and in a kind of philosophical chasm. This uncertainty is a fundamental aspect of the human condition, but it also leaves us questioning the reliability of our own experiences and perceptions.

Reasoning and Sentience in Reconciling Dichotomies

To reconcile this dichotomy, we need to resort to reasoning and sentience. Reasoning is the process of using logic and evidence to understand and resolve conflicts. However, relying solely on reason may not be sufficient. Sentience, the capacity to feel, perceive, or experience subjectively, is another crucial factor in resolving these conflicts. The interplay between reasoning and sentience allows us to integrate our subjective experiences with objective evidence and logic, thereby reducing the sense of uncertainty and bridging the chasm.

In existentialist thought, individuals must embrace their proto-agonistic capacity to take action and implement these values culturally. This means being the protagonist of actions that lead to positive change in humanity, without antagonism and in alignment with reality. By integrating reasoning and sentience, we can navigate the complexities of our existence and lead a meaningful life.