Single Idea 6689

[catalogued under 23. Ethics / F. Existentialism / 7. Existential Action]

Full Idea

The chief implication of existentialism is this: what you choose to do, how you choose to spend your life, is not as important as the way you choose it.

Gist of Idea

The key to existentialism: the way you make choices is more important than what you choose

Source

Gordon Graham (Eight Theories of Ethics [2004], Ch.5)

Book Reference

Graham,Gordon: 'Eight Theories of Ethics' [Routledge 2004], p.85


A Reaction

While existentialists place emphasis on some notion of 'pure' choice, this is very close to the virtue theory idea that in a dilemma there may be several different choices which could all be rightly made by virtuous people. Integrity is a central virtue.