The existential attitude is one of involvement in contrast to a merely theoretical or detached attitude. "Existential” in this sense can be defined as participating in a situation, especially a cognitive situation, with the whole of one's existence.
Paul TillichRelated topics
cognitive contrast existential involvement sense situationRelated quotes
Mankind is supposed to have evolved in the treetops. But I have examined my sense of balance, the prehensility of my various appendages, and my attitude toward standing on anything higher than, say, political principles, and I have concluded that, personally, I evolved in the backseat of a car.
P. J. O'Rourke