Question

Correctly order the beliefs or assertions in such a way that they reflect the development of existentialism.

a. Thinking is the first act of existence
b. All beings have an essential quality
c. Man is responsible for creating his own meaning
d. The essential qualities of beings are given by God

Answer 1

The correct order of beliefs for the development of existentialism, according to existentialist philosophy, places the responsibility on humans to create their own meaning, reflecting the principle that existence precedes essence.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question at hand involves ordering beliefs or assertions to reflect the development of existentialism. Considering the core tenets of existentialism, especially as formulated by thinkers like Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir, the following order can be established:

1. Thinking is the first act of existence.
2. All beings have an essential quality.
3. The essential qualities of beings are given by God.
4. Man is responsible for creating his own meaning.

However, to align with the existential philosophy, which posits that existence precedes essence, one might argue the correct order should start with the assertion of existence as the first act. Therefore, an alternative existentialist ordering could be:

1. Man is responsible for creating his own meaning (Existence precedes essence).
2. Thinking is the first act of existence.
3. All beings have an essential quality.
4. The essential qualities of beings are given by God (Challenged by existentialists who believe that essence is not predefined).

Existentialism strongly emphasizes human freedom, the construction of individual meaning, and the idea that one's existence is not defined a priori, but rather through one's own actions and choices.