Sartre's Embodiment of Existentialism: Existence, Freedom, and Human Responsibility
Overview
This paper examines Jean-Paul Sartre's existential philosophy and his central doctrine that existence precedes essence. It explores how Sartre's work, particularly 'Existentialism is a Humanism,' articulates the concepts of human freedom, personal responsibility, and the creation of meaning in a meaningless universe without divine guidance. The paper analyzes the psychological and ethical implications of existential freedom, including anguish and abandonment.
What this essay covers
- Introduction to Sartre and existential philosophy: existence precedes essence
- Critique of essentialism and rejection of predetermined human nature
- The concept of radical freedom and universal human responsibility
- Psychological consequences of existential freedom: anguish, abandonment, and despair
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Sartre’s Embodiment of Existentialism
Jean-Paul Sartre, one of the most influential philosophers of the 20th century, was responsible for the revolution of existential thought. As the proponent of existential philosophy, Sartre argued that life is meaningless unless you do something to build that meaning into your life. Existentialism is a philosophy centered on the existence of people in a universe that seems meaningless. It claims that individuals are not born with a predetermined nature or a predetermined meaning; they must create their own meaning through action and decision. These major concepts include the rejection of any external power, such as God or general morality, the dominance of subjective experience, and the weight of complete freedom, which give rise to ideas such as anguish and abandonment. This view of the world stands against essentialism that precedes existence, and it is positive in the face of human agency despite its lack of inbuilt values. Jean-Paul Sartre is one of the brightest representatives of Existentialism because in his defense in the work “Existentialism is a Humanism.” He eloquently and extensively explains these concepts in terms of human responsibility and the lack of divine guidance.
Sartre starts by explaining Existentialism as a doctrine where “existence comes before essence” (Sartre, p. 2). It is a deep thought that prompts people to reconsider identity, human life, and purpose. He uses the case of an object that is made, like a paper knife, whose purpose was preconceived by its maker.