French philosopher Albert (5) - Crossword Clue
Answer: CAMUS
The crossword clue "French philosopher Albert (5)" refers to Albert Camus, the influential 20th-century French-Algerian philosopher, author, and journalist. This five-letter answer is one of the most common entries in crossword puzzles when clues reference existentialist philosophy or French intellectual history.
Why CAMUS Appears in Crosswords
- This answer frequently appears in crossword puzzles for several practical reasons.
- The five-letter format fits perfectly into standard puzzle grids, and the name contains common letters (C, A, M, U, S) that crossword constructors can easily intersect with other words.
- The letter combination is distinctive enough to avoid confusion with other philosophical or literary figures.
Related Crossword Answers and Connections
- When solving puzzles featuring Camus, you might encounter related clues about existentialist philosophy, French literature, or Nobel laureates. Other French philosophers commonly appearing in crosswords include Sartre (6 letters), Descartes (9 letters), and Voltaire (8 letters). Understanding these connections helps solvers recognize patterns in philosophy-themed puzzles.
- Camus had a famous friendship and eventual falling-out with Jean-Paul Sartre, another frequent crossword answer. Their philosophical and political disagreements, particularly over communism and revolution, marked one of the most significant intellectual rifts of post-war French thought. This historical context enriches your understanding when both names appear in the same puzzle.
Quick Tips for Solving Philosophy Crosswords
- Remember the letter count first - When you see "(5)" in a clue, immediately think of five-letter philosophers: CAMUS, LOCKE, HEGEL, or PLATO.
- Look for nationality hints - "French" narrows your options significantly; combine it with "Albert" and you have a definitive answer.
- Check crossing letters early - If you have the "C" or "S" from intersecting words, CAMUS becomes even more obvious.
- Study common philosophical surnames - Most crossword-friendly philosophers have concise, letter-friendly surnames that constructors love to reuse.
- Learn alternative clue phrasings - Camus might be clued as "Absurdist philosopher," "The Plague novelist," or "1957 Nobel laureate" in different puzzles.
French philosopher Albert (5) - 7 Little Words - FAQs
Q: Why is Camus called an absurdist rather than an existentialist?
While Camus explored similar themes to existentialists like Sartre, he explicitly rejected the existentialist label. Absurdism focuses specifically on the conflict between seeking meaning and finding none, while existentialism typically emphasizes creating authentic meaning through individual choice and responsibility.
Q: What makes CAMUS such a popular crossword answer?
The five-letter length, common letter combination, and widespread cultural recognition make CAMUS ideal for puzzle construction. His prominence in philosophy and literature means most educated solvers recognize the name immediately.
Q: Are there other five-letter French philosophers that appear in crosswords?
COMTE (Auguste Comte, founder of positivism) occasionally appears, though CAMUS remains far more common due to his broader cultural impact and Nobel Prize recognition.
Q: What's the connection between Camus and Algeria?
Camus was born in Algeria when it was part of France and spent much of his childhood there. His Algerian background profoundly influenced his work, particularly his views on colonialism, justice, and belonging.
Q: How do I remember the spelling of CAMUS?
Think "CAn MUSt" - life CAN have meaning, we MUSt create it ourselves, which summarizes his absurdist philosophy while giving you the letters C-A-M-U-S in sequence.
