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Abstract This study will hopefully open new doors in the sphere of existentialism, as the paper explores a new outlook, a new dimension in the form of optimism, which has long been neglected or given very little attention. Moreover, the analysis of the literary text will also pave the way for the upcoming readers to view the existentialist texts in a brighter light. The research design is Qualitative and data analysis is done through the Interpretive approach1. This paper is divided into two broad sections; the first section is aimed at in depth analysis of the relationship between the theories of existentialism and positivism in the light of views held by major existentialists. The second section focuses on Beckett's Waiting for Godot to find out the elements of positivism in an Existentialist play2, thereby emphasizing the fact that every existentialist text indeed has a strong undertone of positivism.
Introduction It can be claimed with impunity that Existentialism has existed ever since human beings were created. It has to do with human existence and the various aspects of human life. However, as a philosophy its origin can be traced back to German philosopher Albert Camus, though, Jean Paul Sartre is considered as the father of Existentialism. Existentialism "denies that the universe has any intrinsic meaning or purpose, individuals must assume ultimate responsibility for their acts of free will, with/without certain knowledge... and must shape their own destinies"3. Positivism, on the other hand, is the theory that knowledge can be acquired only through direct observation and experimentation and not through metaphysics or theology4. Thus, it appears that the two are completely opposite. Existentialism implies utter disbelief in the existence of the universe and the associated phenomena therefore it represents despair and hopelessness. In contrast, positivism means being positive towards everything.
This paper aims to explore the strange relationship between the philosophies of Existentialism and Positivism, in the light of the views held by major existentialists, thereby proving that though the two appear to be on opposite poles, the undercurrent of Existentialism has a strong element of positivism and the two are indispensible to each other. The purpose of this inquiry is not only to establish that there is a nexus between Positivism and Existentialism, but also to...