Queer Faith, Wyrd Hope, Loving Struggle: A Reconsideration and Application of Karl Jaspers' Existenzphilosophie as Liberatory Praxis

This dissertation delves into the oldest of all philosophical practices: Know thyself. Via a set of self-deconstructive reflections, the work explores the dynamics of existence within the context of marginalized communities, particularly focusing on queer liberation. To do this, the research introduces the concept of "transisting," a term inspired by eschewing mere resistance in order to self-disclose a path for overcoming customary structures of the everyday. Using the Existenzphilosophie of Karl Jaspers in light of Queer Theory, "transistance" provides a philosophical stance that transcends reactionary dynamics and encourages equanimity and overstanding (as opposed to understanding) the status quo. Providing a general overview of phenomenology and a focused perspective on Jaspers' notion of "ultimate boundaries" (or "limit situations"), the dissertation weaves together personal narratives, philosophical discourse, and a critique of contemporary societal norms on the way to a new kind of descriptor: "Wyrding," or the liberatory praxis of self-actualization that lives through weaving wandering wonderment.