Explain in your own words what absurdism means. Can you give a simple example?

Absurdism is the idea that life is meaningless and we try to find meaning anyway. Example: Trying to find the perfect pair of socks when it doesn't really matter.

Imagine you are trying to build a sandcastle on a beach, but the tide keeps washing it away. How does this relate to absurdism?

It relates to absurdism because you are putting effort into something that will ultimately be destroyed, similar to how we try to find meaning in a meaningless world.

Think about a time you tried really hard to do something, but it didn't work out the way you planned. How did you feel? How might someone with an absurdist view explain that situation?

Answers will vary but should include feelings of frustration or disappointment. An absurdist might say that the effort was inherently meaningless, but the attempt itself was important.

Is it absurd to spend hours playing a video game? Explain your answer.

Answers will vary. A good answer will acknowledge that video games are a way to pass time and have fun, but ultimately don't have a lasting impact on the world. This makes it potentially absurd.

Give an example of something that people do every day that could be considered absurd. Why do you think it is absurd?

Examples include commuting to a job that feels pointless, or endlessly scrolling through social media. The absurdity comes from the lack of inherent meaning or lasting value.

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What is Absurdism?

Name: What is Absurdism?
Author: Insta~Lesson

5th GradeELA45 min

Learning Objective

I can explain what absurdism is using examples from everyday life.

Lesson Flow

Watch Video

8 min

A GUIDE TO ABSURDISM: The Philosophy For Living Fully

Unknown Channel

Practice

14 min

7 questions • Multiple choice & Short answer

Exit Ticket

5 min

“Give an example from everyday life that shows how something can be absurd, like Camus talked about.”

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