How the Philosophy of Existentialism was Formed

This article examines the stages of the conceptual formation of existentialism as an integral original philosophy since the late 20s of the twentieth century and the prospects for further evolution in the 21st century. The main objective of the article is to analyze and concretize the contribution of M. Heidegger, K. Jaspers, J.–P. Sartre and A. Camus to the formation of the conceptual framework of existentialism as an integral and original philosophical doctrine and identify possible directions for its further evolution. The article analyzes the nodal categories of the teachings of each of the listed thinkers as the logical stages of the formation of existentialism. The authors suggest that the concepts of these philosophers individually do not represent complete existentialism; however, the nodal concepts and concepts of their works complement each other in a logical relationship and form an integral system of existentialism. The authors believe that the issues of the genesis of human existence and its specific forms are revealed in fiction, other areas of art, as well as modern psychological research. In conclusion, the thesis is expressed about the fruitfulness of the search and development of potential philosophical problems of existence contained in the works of the founders of existentialism. The research uses methods of conceptual analysis and a systematic approach.