Аннотация
The article examines superficial perceptions and distorted understandings of existentialism in contemporary philosophical and cultural discourse. Although crises related to the search for meaning, anxiety, loneliness, and absurdity have revived the relevance of this philosophical trend, existentialism is often associated in public consciousness and academia with atheism, pessimism, or depression. Furthermore, there is a widespread tendency to reduce it solely to the figure of J.-P. Sartre. Such misinterpretations not only complicate academic debate but also result in the loss of existentialism’s authentic meaning. The study emphasizes the need to overcome these misconceptions in order to uncover the genuine categorical nature of existentialism and the spiritual contradictions inherent in human existence. The ontological and humanistic dimensions of existentialist thought are clarified, while the importance of distinguishing authentic understanding from superficial interpretations is substantiated. The methodological basis of the research is the apophatic approach, which reveals authentic meaning through the negation of false concepts. The findings highlight the cultural and academic consequences of superficial interpretations of existentialism. The novelty of the article lies in the systematic analysis of widespread stereotypes in order to restore its authentic essence. The study contributes to strengthening the relationship between philosophical reflection and humanities education.