We all have to have a creed, anchor or set of rules by which we live our lives. Many of us will never give a label to the struggle that makes certain choices inevitable for our particular path. There are those who blindly and haphazardly forge ahead and make the most of what life throws at them. Others stringently live by the words of some long dead philosopher. Personally I take a bit this and a bit of that from whatever philosophy suits at any given time. I think most people do this whether they know it or not.
Existentialism as a one sentence philosophy can't be argued with, I believe. This particular way of thinking and behaving asserts that individual responsibility and self-determination is a key trait. I can't fault this. The individual left to find their own way is a perfect path. However, delving deeper the philosophy tends for many to involve self-analysis, struggle and constantly grasping for a meaning for our existence in a hostile, alien society. Being immersed in existentialism can be extremely depressing.
Looking at objectivism is another seemingly sensible choice on the surface. Everything is what it is, and should be treated as such. Nobody is greater in any way than anybody else. Equality of trade is paramount. It tends to get a little personal and vindictive though if you try to reasonably debate any negative issues attributed to the philosophy with a fervent believer. Not to mention the suggestion that an individual's happiness overrides that of everybody else. I'm fairly sure there are large numbers besides myself who could never countenance such a selfish approach to life.
To embrace subjectivism can be comforting. The fact that knowing anything can only be true if it is felt is fundamental to existence, according to subjectivists. I feel empowered sometimes to acknowledge the fact that I create the meaning I encounter. Other times I am content to let others do the interpreting for me.
The philosophy of phenomenology is attractive because it seeks to scientifically account for human experience. That which is often thought of as subjective experience, such as, consciousness and ideas are rigorously put to the test. This detachment employed in such a philosophy can appear seductively mysterious. The sedentary practice is often very intense and lonely though.
Much of the way we live our lives today is dependent on our personal philosophies. How we interpret the world around us and give meaning to our practices points us in each new direction. Our choices, intentional or otherwise motivated, give us our philosophy.
I believe it can be argued that the majority of us wouldn't be able to put a name to the motivation that steers us through life. Those that do think about it would more than likely admit that the motivation comes several different sources. Only a tiny minority could put a name to their personal philosophy.
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