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Moore, David L.

College of Education and Social Services

2005

Ed. D.

Existentialism places great emphasis on human responsibility. Each choice made, such as the willingness to participate in the slaughter of non-human animals or an unwillingness to do so, produces value in the world. The scope encompasses the entire human project, holding the actor responsible not only for the creation of primary values, but also for truths lived and prejudices held. Essentially, existentialism holds each human accountable for their every movement in the world, and does not recognize tradition, culture, or authority to serve as a justification for beliefs or actions. Authenticity is the ultimate human pursuit, and freedom is understood as the foundation of such a life. An educator-coach employing a leadership model grounded in existential thought places human freedom at the pinnacle. Existential leadership, with this freedom at the core, presents unlimited possibilities, hope for a different tomorrow, and a constant invitation for a re-creation of each and every human life.