The Existentialism - Essay Example

The debate about the existence of God has been around for a long time and is still in progress. There are also different philosophies that guide these conflicting opinions. This is in terms of the existing principles and doctrines that influence humanity to believe in a deity. That is why Miguel de Unamuno in his controversial philosophical work, ‘Tragic Sense of Life’ contradicts the earlier works of Karl Mark and Sigmund Freud (Unamuno 157). He takes both existentialistic and theistic perspectives to explain man’s attachment to nature without faith and reason.

Tragic Sense of Life by Miguel de Unamuno is a philosophical work that borders on the doctrines of existentialism. The author believes the philosophy of life should be based on the experiences of a person. This suggests there is a need to cultivate one’s personality and character as espoused in the writings. On that account, the author considers himself a man of contradiction because while he values the sense of individuality, he also supports the existence of God.  This is in support of the creation theory and the primitivism of man to rely on nature and consciousness (Unamuno 159). Additionally, he views himself as a man of contradiction because he supports both aspects of individuality and religious fanaticism towards a deity called God. Therefore, the contradictory, opposing elements, in this case, entail the indoctrination of man toward nature and alienation toward God. Furthermore, it is important to prove the existence of God if one has to understand the being of God. Those philosophical elements are contradictory in terms of disputing the existence of God and the use of faith and reason to evaluate matters.

There are also many rational reasons why he feels the opposition is the source of his life’s unity. For example, the unity of man emanates from the deep belief in a god that is in control of both humanity and nature (Unamuno 158). Similarly, there are guiding principles of faith and the reason that influence the choice of an individual in terms of domination over personality and character. That is why it is a paradox that Miguel de Unamuno has total belief in the intricacies of the universe. In the same context, the paradoxical contradiction is because the divinity of man and human consciousness is not in harmony with nature. Alternatively, the feelings of God and external consciousness conflict with the moral logic of a common man in terms of sustenance.

The statement ‘we think because we live’ has several meanings according to the context it is used in the book. First, he begins by castigating the primitive man for overreliance on the forces that surround him such as nature and other fellow men. This suggests that both animate and inanimate things appeal to man without any reason or faith in the choice. That is why according to Miguel, humanity structures their lives depending on the given existence (Unamuno 152). Alternatively, the possession of the consciousness of nature ensures man does not break away from the confines of nature. In other words, divinity is not associated with rationale because there is an objective and subjective point of view. This suggests that the decisions of man in the universe are guided by a supernatural being with divine powers. In other words, the thoughts and existence of man are controlled by one God. That is why ‘we think because we live.’

There are various relationships between theory, and practice (the practice of living) and it relates to action. In terms of theory, there is the inherent attachment of primitive man to both nature and fellow human beings. On the other hand, in practice, man still possesses the consciousnesses of faith rather than reason in the belief of a deity who is in control of the universe. This means the acceptance of vanity is paramount in order to accept the infinite powers of God. Another fundamental relationship involves the humanization of God in order to counter paganism (Unamuno 161). In other words, it helps in understanding the theoretical beliefs and doctrines of human consciousness under God’s powers. Therefore, I think what Miguel de Unamuno says about the aforementioned relationship partly relates to normal relationships. This is in terms of the various beliefs harbored by man and the guiding principles of faith and reason. In other words, the divinity of humanity is not consistent with other races hence making it hard for primitive man to adapt.

 On that account, there should be a continued discourse that helps in the understanding of man’s beliefs and perceptions toward God. This begins by understanding the effects of nature and human consciousness in relation to God (Unamuno 155).