The Absurdity of Hope: A Philosophical Exploration of Camus' Concept of Living with the Absurd

Abstract

Albert Camus, a prominent philosopher in existentialism, offered a groundbreaking perspective on human existence through his concept of the absurd. In his works, particularly The Myth of Sisyphus (1942), Camus defines the absurd as the conflict between humanity's intrinsic desire for meaning and the universe's indifference. This paper explores Camus’ rejection of hope, examining his belief that traditional notions of hope deny life's absurdity. Rather than succumbing to despair, Camus advocates for living authentically by embracing the absurd and creating meaning through personal experiences. This paper also analyzes the relevance of Camus’ ideas in contemporary discussions on meaning and critiques of his rejection of hope. Ultimately, this exploration reveals that Camus’ philosophy offers a liberating perspective on navigating an inherently meaningless world.