Sartre Philosophy: Freedom and Choice

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Questions and Answers

What do most existentialists agree on regarding meaning and truth?

They argue that truth is universal and objective.

They believe that truth is predetermined.

Meaning and truth lie within the individual person. (correct)

They agree that meaning is created by society.

According to existentialist thought, what precedes existence for humans?

Each person must create their own essence after they exist. (correct)

Human essence exists prior to their existence.

Nothing; humans exist without essence.

Human personality is defined by societal expectations.

What does Sartre suggest is inherent in the nature of human freedom?

It allows us to shift our responsibilities.

It results in moral anxiety due to responsibility. (correct)

It leads to a guaranteed successful outcome.

It frees us from making difficult choices.

What does existentialism assert about the source of truth and values for individuals?

They must be invented and created by the individual. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of existentialism, what does the term 'choice' signify?

An opportunity that demands personal responsibility. Signup and view all the answers

How does Sartre define human beings in relation to their choices?

Human beings are nothing but what they make of themselves. Signup and view all the answers

What emotional response does existential freedom primarily produce?

Anxiety, from the weight of personal responsibility. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of 'facticity' in existentialist thought?

It indicates the limitations that shape personal choices. Signup and view all the answers

What does Sartre mean by the statement 'condemned to be free'?

Freedom is a burden that cannot be ignored. Signup and view all the answers

In Sartre's philosophy, what aspect does 'facticity' refer to?

The collection of facts true of an individual at a particular moment. Signup and view all the answers

How do existentialists view the concept of 'responsibility'?

As an inherent part of human freedom and authenticity. Signup and view all the answers

What assertion does Sartre make about choosing values?

To value something is to assert it as good for all humanity. Signup and view all the answers

What role does projecting oneself into the future play in Sartre's concept of freedom?

It allows individuals to transcend their current state. Signup and view all the answers

According to Sartre, how is the self perceived in relation to consciousness?

The self is external to consciousness and the object of thought. Signup and view all the answers

How does Sartre view the relationship between individual choices and collective responsibility?

Each choice represents an assertion for the entire human race. Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of wanting things to be otherwise, according to Sartre?

It is a form of transcending one's current situation. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Sartre and Choice

Sartre believed that our choices are bound by the time in which we live.
He argued that we would make different choices if we lived in a different time, as our circumstances and the options available to us would be different.
This means that our actions are shaped by the historical and societal context we find ourselves in.

Freedom and Responsibility

Sartre emphasized that humans are free to define themselves through their choices, and are responsible for the choices they make.
He believed that our essence is subjectively created through our choices and that we are constantly projecting ourselves into the future.
Sartre argued that this freedom is both a blessing and a curse, as it makes us responsible for shaping not only our own lives but also the values we hold.
Our values shape how we see the world, and by making choices we inherently deem those choices as “good,” not just for ourselves but for everyone.

Transcendence and Facticity

Sartre believed that our existence is made up of both “transcendence” and “facticity.”
Facticity refers to the concrete facts of our lives - our past experiences, our social positions, our physical characteristics.
Transcendence, however, refers to our ability to go beyond these concrete facts and choose what we want to be.
Sartre saw the “self” as something that exists outside of consciousness, as it is a concept we grasp through thought.

Existentialism

Existentialism is not a set of fixed doctrines but rather a way of approaching life and philosophy.
While existentialists may have differing views about life, they generally agree that individual meaning and truth are crucial.
They are not focused on the "nature of ultimate reality," but rather on the individual's experience and choices.

Essence vs. Existence

Existentialists believe that in most cases, things have an essence that precedes their existence. This means that a thing's purpose or nature is defined before it is created.
However, for human beings, Sartre argued for the opposite: existence precedes essence. We are born without an inherent purpose, and it is through our choices that we create our essence.

Freedom, Responsibility and Anxiety

For Sartre, human existence is inherently free, but also fraught with anxiety.
This is because we are constantly making choices, and are responsible for those choices.
We are free to create meaning and value for ourselves in a meaningless and value-less universe.
He believed that this freedom to choose is both a cause of anxiety and a necessary part of authentic living.
Being responsible for these choices is challenging, as it makes the weight of our actions fall entirely on us.

Choice and Anguish

Sartre saw every situation as an opportunity to make a choice, which impacts the course of our lives.
We are constantly making decisions that define our future, and we bear the full responsibility for these choices, as we cannot shift the burden onto anyone else.
This can cause anguish, as we are left facing the consequences of our choices without any external guidance.

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Description

Explore the key concepts of Sartre's philosophy regarding choice and freedom. Understand how our choices are influenced by the historical context and the idea of responsibility in defining our essence. This quiz delves into Sartre's views on the interplay between our actions and the societal norms around us.