Abstract

This thesis explores the paradoxical nature of Albert Camus's ideas of Western consciousness, absurdity, and rebellion. Camus believes that as members of the Occident, we are the products of both the Greco-Roman and Judeo-Christian cultures. We attempt to make sense of the world through these two sensibilities. The problem with this approach is that these world-views generate very different conceptions of the world. Camus believes that there is no way to logically integrate these two positions and that they exists together as the structure of our consciousness in a paradoxical relationship. The understanding of the world that they generate for us is a unique truth that is dependent upon both sensibilities, but at the same time is much greater than the truths of each individual world-view. Camus argues that every meaningful explanation of the world attempts to overcome any inconsistencies that may threaten this explanation. Naturally, in our attempt to make sense of the world, we try to reconcile the differences between these two divergent world-views. But according to Camus, these two sensibilities exist in a paradoxical relationship that cannot be overcome without sacrificing one of the worldviews and the truth of who we are. Any attempt to reconcile this paradox will undermine the source of our conscious reflection and destroy our ability to give life meaning. It is this crisis that comes with trying to alter the paradox that brings to light what Camus calls absurdity and rebellion. Camus argues that if we try to establish a world based only on the Greco-Roman sensibility, we face absurdity and suicide. Likewise, if we attempt to establish a world based entirely on the Judeo-Christian sensibility, we justify revolution and murder. Either way, we undermine the very thing for which we are striving--a meaningful existence. Absurdity and rebellion are very beneficial, though, in that they make us aware of the paradoxical structure of our consciousness. Camus believes that it is only when we recognize the paradox implicit in our nature that we will avoid the horrors of suicide and murder and construct positive values