Jean-Paul Sartre

How did Sartre define Existentialism?

doctrine that makes human life possible

What definition did your professor offer for Existentialism?

existence precedes essence

Does Sartre accept God, a prior (objective) morality & human nature? Why or why not?

no, restrict human freedom

What are the starting points of Sartre’s philosophy?

subjectivity in consciousness

What is subjectivism & is it a characteristic of Sartre’s philosophy?

yes, person’s own subjectivity & consciousness are starting points

person is responsible for own individuality & for that of all people = we are choices

Did Sartre say that there are no values whatsoever?

no, no values till you choose it

What did Sartre say one is validating when making a choice?

value moral worth

How does Sartre keep his theory from allowing that anything goes?

make a choice that is good for one that is good for all

Define Sartre’s concept of Anguish

the anxiety that comes from the total & deep responsibility of choosing for all

For the existentialist what is Forlornness?

abandonment = nothing to cling to & no excuses, one is very alone

When as existentialists talks about Despair, what does he or she mean?

we must confine ourselves to what depends on our will

HOw does Sartre characterize our freedom? Why does he characterize it that way?

monstrous = run from responsibility

What restricts out freedom according to Sartre?

us

Does Sartre’s substitute something for human nature?

human condition

What is the one absolute that Sartre accepts?

cogito ergo sum = absolute truth

Does Sartre say that an existentialist can pass judgement on someone?

no = that person would not have chosen another “configuration”

yes = hiding from their freedom

What does Sartre mean by inauthecity?

any attempt to deny your freedom

What does Sartre mean by authenticity?

embrace freedom & living accordingly

What does Sartre mean by Bad Faith?

deny of one’s authority

What does Sartre say about the meaning of life?

life has no meaning prior

you give it meaning & value

whatever you choose

Why does Sartre say that God’s existence would change nothing?

human beings would still be what they are = Free Responsible Beings