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How does existentialism differ from absurdism?

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Jean-Paul Sartre sits at a cafe with a cup of coffee and a notebook, a pipe in his mouth. — Existentialism French philosopher and writer Jean-Paul Sartre, known as a founding figure of existentialism, in Paris.

Existentialism and absurdism both grapple with the human condition in a seemingly meaningless universe, but they diverge in their proposed responses. Existentialism, as interpreted by thinkers like Jean-Paul Sartre, emphasizes radical freedom and the individual's responsibility to create their own meaning and essence through choices and actions. It posits that "existence precedes essence," meaning humans are born without a predetermined purpose and must define themselves.12

Absurdism, on the other hand, highlights the fundamental conflict between humanity's innate search for meaning and the universe's inherent irrationality and meaninglessness. Philosophers like Albert Camus described this conflict as the "absurd". While existentialism encourages embracing freedom to create meaning, absurdism suggests acknowledging the absurd and rebelling against it by living passionately despite the lack of ultimate purpose.34