According to existentialists, what is the relationship between death and the meaning of life?

In existentialist philosophy, death is viewed as a fundamental aspect of the human experience and plays a significant role in shaping the meaning of life. The correct understanding is that death gives life meaning, as it compels individuals to confront their mortality and enhances the urgency to find purpose and authenticity in their existence. The awareness of death can serve to motivate individuals to live more fully, appreciate the present moment, and seek their own unique values and significance in life.

The belief that death makes life meaningless tends to overlook the existential perspective that acknowledges the inherent absurdity of life but still finds room for personal meaning. Similarly, viewing death as only a natural part of life can minimize its philosophical implications and the way it shapes human experience. As for considering death irrelevant to life's meaning, this disregards the profound impact that awareness of mortality has on motivating individuals to search for and create meaning in their lives. Thus, recognizing death in its existential context is crucial for understanding the complexity and depth of life’s purpose.