Jean-Paul Sartre and Existentialism

Flashcards on Jean-Paul Sartre and Existentialism

Jean-Paul Sartre

Atheist Existentialist who lived between 1905–1980

Existentialism

Goes against essentialism and Aristotle’s teleology

Essentialism

The view that everything has an essence, which is what makes an object what it is.

Essence in Humans

The essence in humans is a priori, giving them a purpose.

Sartre's Counter to Essentialism

“Existence precedes essence.” Humans are born before any essence, and it is up to them to determine their essence.

Consciousness (Existentialism)

Consciousness is always a subject beyond material objects.

Authenticity (Sartre)

To be truly authentic, one must recognize one’s freedom and accept one’s responsibility.

Anguish (Sartre)

Arises from the fact that existence is absurd.

Bad Faith

Not accepting radical freedom and responsibility

The Avoidance Response

Escaping anguish by not choosing any of the options provided by life. However, Sartre argues that not choosing is, in itself, a choice.

The Serious-Minded Response

Humans try to avoid their own subjectivity by believing there’s some objective source of value (e.g., God or goodness) other than their own decisions.

Bad Faith

When a human refuses to accept the terrifying realities of the human condition and instead keeps pretending that the world has meaning not attributed by humans.

Living in Bad Faith

Living a life in bad faith means opting to live according to a pre-set social role, denying their subjectivity and freedom of choice, and objectifying themselves.

The Waiter Example

Sartre's example of a mechanical waiter showing that even within a role, he is free.

Good Faith

The human consciously chooses their values in a free manner, and takes full responsibility for them (accepting their freedom and responsibility).

Value of Choice (Sartre)

A choice is valuable if done in good faith without any restraints.

First Nazi

Follows Hitler and is proud to kill Jews, is an example of good faith.

Second Nazi

Joins Hitler out of fear and doesn’t like killing people; isn’t proud, is an example of bad faith.

Value and Authenticity

Value and authenticity come from choosing freely and taking ownership of your actions, even if the choice itself is morally troubling.

Creator of Values (Sartre)

Every individual, creating their own values

Universality

In every purpose, there is universality