Existentialism: Meaning, Freedom & Responsibility

What does it mean to live a meaningful life?

Existentialist thinkers argue that we are not simply handed a purpose, identity, or script for living. Instead, we find ourselves in the world — uncertain, free, responsible, and faced with the task of choosing who we become.

That can be frightening. It can also be liberating.

In this Bacchus Marsh Philosophy Club session, we’ll ask:

If life has no ready-made meaning, how should we live?

Together, we’ll explore questions such as:

• What makes a life meaningful?

• Are we truly free to choose who we become?

• How much responsibility do we have for our own lives?

• Can we avoid freedom by hiding behind roles, habits, or expectations?

• Is meaning something we discover, create, or receive from others?

As always, no prior knowledge of philosophy is needed. The session will be friendly, structured, and discussion-based. We are not here to win the argument — we are here to explore the question together.

Come along if you enjoy good questions, thoughtful conversation, and hearing how other people see the world.