Meaning Of Life - Sarte

Exam 1

Extreme Sarte

We are free to choose almost everything about ourselves, things like our goals, values, actions, the way we think, and even our future selves.

Sarte’s 2 reasons for thinking we are free

1. We are radically free, defined by our own choices and values

2. Existence Precedes Essence - humans are not born with a pre-determined purpose

Facticity 

Given aspects (Nationality, birthplace, gender, family. Historic period, physical attributes, etc(facticity is the state of being as things are)

Transcendence

Chosen aspects (freedom and consciousness, the power to imagine, create, and choose a future that is not predetermined.

Moderate Sarte

Our control lies in our choices, actions, and how we interpret our situations, What is not in our control are external factors and events, hence are not fully free from others. (Freedom within environmental/social constraints)

Cavendish and Beuvoir – what are the ways in which the freedom of others interferes with our ability to craft our desired essence?

Imposing their perspectives and societal structures, which limit opportunities and shape our perceived self-worth

Moderate Sartre and Beauvoir – what we are to do when freedom is thwarted?

Assert our fundamental, internal freedom through our attitude and choices while simultaneously acting to will and create freedom for others

Cavendish – what are we to do when freedom is thwarted?

Margaret Cavendish addresses what to do when freedom is prevented by focusing on two main courses of action: using one's mind to find freedom in imagination and contemplation, and seeking freedom through association with others.