Existential philosophy: searching for meaning in a world of uncertainty

Abstract

The relevance of this study lies in the need to rediscover the lost meaning of life, to learn resilience and free choice in the context of a universal socio-political and moral crisis, as well as military turmoil in Ukraine, which has been trying for almost four years to overcome the territorial, physical, and emotional consequences of a full-scale Russian invasion. Existential philosophy, focusing on the inner world of a person, helps them perceive the current situation not only as a challenge, but also as an opportunity to grow spiritually and discover their hidden essence. The military context shifts the problem of searching for meaning from the abstract to the vitally necessary and becomes an indicator of how a person can cope with their losses, uncertainties, and fears. The novelty of the work is determined by the projection of classical existential ideas onto the contemporary Ukrainian war experience, which can be perceived as an extreme form of human existence. An attempt is made to systematically analyze how freedom, responsibility, and authenticity, as existential issues, are practically embodied in the realities of war and the collective trauma associated with it.

The purpose of this study is to show the transformation of an individual's existential experience in a crisis and to search for effective ways out of it through the categories of freedom, moral choice, and the search for meaning in life. The results demonstrate the historical and philosophical prerequisites for the emergence of existential thought, revealing its main ideas and ways in which they influence contemporary consciousness. Through the characterization of key manifestations of existence (anxiety, guilt, choice, and hope), it is shown that humanity in a situation of uncertainty can be preserved through a sense of inner freedom, conscious responsibility, and the ability to empathize.

Conclusion. Existential philosophy is still an effective tool for self-knowledge and a spiritual guide. Understanding authenticity and responsibility for one's own life helps to overcome spiritual crisis, restores the meaning of existence, and helps even in so-called extreme circumstances to appreciate human dignity and uniqueness. The results obtained can serve as a philosophical and psychological basis for understanding resilience and moral integrity in crisis situations.