Ontological Vertigo: a natural state

Abstract

Doubt and uncertainty are treated as rather abnormal in society. Disturbing states of being, for example anxiety, impostor syndrome, guilt, and confusion, are common phenomena, yet viewed as something to address with psychology, overcome with virtues, or solve with goals and preoccupations to be a good person in decent mental health. If ontological vertigo is understood as a natural state of the human position between the finite and the infinite, the logical conclusion is that human existence is disorienting and uncomfortable. This study looks at the common modes of seeking groundedness: place, status, identity, vocation, potency, meaning, and essence. Existential positions are explored for endorsements of the state of anxiety. Lastly, the authors make an argument for considering ontological vertigo as a natural state instead of seeking false senses of stability.