According to existentialism, what is the nature of purpose and meaning?

Existentialism posits that purpose and meaning are not given or inherent to human existence but rather are shaped by each individual's perception and experience. This philosophy emphasizes the importance of personal freedom, choice, and responsibility in creating one's own essence and meaning in life.

According to existentialist thinkers like Jean-Paul Sartre and Albert Camus, life does not come with a predefined purpose; instead, individuals must navigate their existence, confront the absurdity of life, and define their own meaning through their actions and decisions. This view challenges the notion that purpose is embedded within a universal framework or dictated by external authorities, which aligns with option C's representation of existentialist thought.

The other options reflect alternative perspectives on purpose and meaning. The notion that purpose is inherent to each individual overlooks the existential belief in personal creation of meaning. Similarly, defining purpose by external entities or claiming it is predetermined by natural laws counters the existential idea of personal agency and the belief in individual responsibility to shape one’s own life narrative.