Title

Dostoevsky’s faith and Camus’ refusal of transcendence: Responses to a collapse of meaning

Creator

McDonald, Jackson

Abstract

Camus’ refusal of transcendence and Dostoevsky’s faith both arise in a context of nihilism. Camus’ refusal of transcendence maintains his absurdist starting point, ensuring it does not stray from it through transcendent claims, instead focusing on standing tall within the absurd. Meanwhile, Dostoevsky’s faith is able to provide a ready made solution to the guilt faced through committing immoral acts due to a lack of clear moral values. While both frameworks are coherent given their starting points, they do not seem to be ultimately convincing, suggesting that their theories have succumbed to the very context within which they were operating.

Keywords

Fyodor Dostoevsky

Albert Camus

faith

Date Available

May 28, 2026

Type

Oral presentation

Course

PH 3026: Existentialism

Session

Oral presentation

Location

Art Center Auditorium

Event

Year 2026 | 10th Annual Student Research and Creative Arts Symposium