Modern Philosophy 17th 19th Centuries Questions Medium
Jean-Paul Sartre's concept of existentialism is a philosophical framework that emphasizes the individual's freedom, responsibility, and existence as the starting point for understanding human existence. According to Sartre, existence precedes essence, meaning that individuals are not born with a predetermined nature or purpose, but rather create their own meaning and identity through their choices and actions.
Existentialism rejects the idea of a fixed human nature or essence, arguing that individuals are constantly in a state of becoming and are defined by their actions and decisions. Sartre believed that humans are condemned to be free, meaning that we are burdened with the responsibility of making choices and taking ownership of our actions, even in the face of uncertainty and the absence of predetermined moral guidelines.
Central to Sartre's existentialism is the concept of "bad faith," which refers to individuals deceiving themselves and denying their freedom by conforming to societal expectations or adopting predetermined roles. Sartre argued that by embracing our freedom and taking responsibility for our choices, we can live authentically and create our own values and purpose in life.
Existentialism also emphasizes the importance of individual subjectivity and personal experience. Sartre believed that each individual's existence is unique and cannot be reduced to universal principles or objective truths. This subjectivity leads to the concept of "anguish" or "existential dread," as individuals grapple with the weight of their freedom and the uncertainty of their choices.
In summary, Sartre's concept of existentialism asserts that individuals are free and responsible for creating their own meaning and identity. It rejects the notion of a fixed human nature and emphasizes the importance of personal choice, authenticity, and subjective experience in understanding human existence.