Ways of classifying philosophical systems and the place of existentialism

Are there foundational principles by which philosophical systems can be distinguished from one another?
Where does existentialism stand among these philosophical traditions?
Can the grand and difficult systems of philosophy offer us a path towards living better?

In one way of classifying philosophical systems, some primarily analyse structures or the historical development of nature and human social structures such as politics and culture—retrospective philosophy—while others focus on the choices we make and the way we live at each moment—forward philosophy.

Another distinction separates philosophies focused on the external world and knowledge of that world—objective approaches—from philosophies centred on the human inner world and its understanding—subjective approaches.

Existentialism is a philosophy that recognises the inner and individual truth of human beings separately and gives priority to lived activity over a world of fixed things. This creates a deep connection between existentialism and psychology, especially the psychology of Carl Jung.

But how can existentialism be placed within a framework that allows its principal themes and orientations to be identified?

In this video, Dr Areta outlines several ways of classifying philosophical traditions, explains each, and considers what existentialism is, where it stands among philosophical systems, and whether it can itself be understood as a philosophical system.

Video from the “Steps into the Light” YouTube channel:
https://youtu.be/p-CDH5WKIiY

Post by Samira Ghobadi