Comprehensive Written Report on Sartre's Philosophy - PDF

**COMPREHENSIVE WRITTEN REPORT** \[SARTRE: UNDERSTANDING OF SELF-CONSCIOUSNESS AND THE EGO\] ALFORQUE, ASHLEYN MAY B. GEC101 Understanding the Self Tuesday and Friday: 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM Section B6 - 1 Submitted to\ Dr. Alma G. Maranda September 3, 2024 **TABLE OF CONTENTS**...

**COMPREHENSIVE WRITTEN REPORT** \[SARTRE: UNDERSTANDING OF SELF-CONSCIOUSNESS AND THE EGO\] ALFORQUE, ASHLEYN MAY B. GEC101 Understanding the Self Tuesday and Friday: 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM Section B6 - 1 Submitted to\ Dr. Alma G. Maranda September 3, 2024 **TABLE OF CONTENTS** **Page** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ---------- **MAIN TOPIC/S....................................................................................** 3 - 4 **DEFINITION OF TERMS.......................................................................** 5 **SUMMARY.........................................................................................** 6 **MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS..........................................................** 7 **KEY ANSWERS..................................................................................** 8 **REFERENCES....................................................................................** 9 **MAIN TOPIC** **Sartre: Understanding of Self-Consciousness and the Ego** This comprehensive report aims to explore Sartre\'s concept of self-consciousness and the ego, examining his philosophical views on the nature of human consciousness, the role of the ego, and the implications of his ideas on our understanding of human existence. Before I start, let me first introduce you to Jean-Paul Sartre (1905-1980), a prominent 20th-century French philosopher, novelist, and playwright who has made significant contributions to the field of existentialism, particularly in his understanding of self-consciousness and the ego. **\*\*The Concept of Self-Consciousness\*\*** Sartre embarks on an introspective journey, delineating a process of self-discovery. First is 'consciousness', which embodies fundamental awareness of external entities. This consciousness is intimately associated with 'non-consciousness', which points to the external world perceived by consciousness. Sartre then delves into the concept of the 'body' as the self, stressing the intricate interplay between the conscious subject and the corporeal self. Sartre distinguishes his position from traditional idealism by asserting that consciousness does not create the world's reality; instead, it encounters and depends on the pre-existing world. For consciousness to be aware of an object, that object must exist before consciousness (later on, in his 1943 work *Being and Nothingness*, Sartre calls such objects 'being-in-itself'). This perspective underscores the primacy of the world, which exists in and by itself and is apprehended and interpreted by consciousness. Sartre argues that consciousness is inherently fused with self-consciousness. In the state of consciousness, one is not only aware of external objects but also turns inward to be conscious of itself. This 'pre-reflective consciousness', as Sartre calls it, lacks a personal ego and is characterized by an unadorned awareness of being conscious, distinct from passive objectified consciousness. Sartre reinterprets the traditional Cartesian maxim 'I think, therefore I am' to assert what, in essence, is, 'There is consciousness, therefore I am'. This departure from Descartes is crucial in Sartre's philosophy. Overall, Sartre's work accentuates the intricate interconnectedness among consciousness, the external world, and self-awareness, shedding light on the complex fabric of human existence. **\*\*The Ego\*\*** Sartre\'s concept of the ego is closely tied to his understanding of self-consciousness. He views the ego as a product of self-consciousness, emerging from our awareness of ourselves as individuals. The ego is not a fixed or essential aspect of human nature but rather a constructed entity that arises from our experiences and interactions with others. Sartre argues that the ego is a kind of \"illusion\" or \"fiction\" that we create to make sense of ourselves and our place in the world. The ego is a way of making sense of our experiences, emotions, and desires by creating a coherent narrative about ourselves. However, this narrative is always subject to change and revision as our experiences and circumstances evolve. The ego, according to Sartre, is not an absolute or transcendental entity but a constitution within consciousness, subject to the same vulnerabilities as external objects. This idea of the ego challenges traditional notions of selfhood and underscores consciousness as the core element of the human entity. **\*\*The Role of Freedom\*\*** Sartre\'s understanding of self-consciousness and the ego is deeply tied to his concept of freedom. He argues that human beings are fundamentally free beings, capable of making choices that shape our existence. This freedom is not limited by external factors such as fate or circumstance but rather by our own choices and decisions. Sartre\'s concept of freedom is often referred to as \"bad faith\". This refers to the tendency for individuals to deny or repress their freedom, often due to fear or anxiety about the consequences of their choices. By denying their freedom, individuals may feel more secure or comfortable but ultimately undermine their autonomy and responsibility. **\*\*Implications for Human Existence\*\*** Sartre\'s understanding of self-consciousness and the ego has significant implications for our understanding of human existence. His concept of freedom highlights the importance of individual responsibility and choice in shaping our existence. This emphasis on freedom can be seen as both empowering and overwhelming, as individuals are faced with the daunting task of making choices that will shape their own lives. Sartre\'s understanding of the ego as a product of self-consciousness also highlights the importance of authenticity and honesty in our relationships with others. By acknowledging our own constructed nature and the fluidity of our identities, we can work towards greater authenticity and empathy in our interactions with others. **DEFINITION OF TERMS** ***Self-consciousness.*** knowing of one\'s existence, especially the knowledge of oneself as a conscious being. ***Ego.*** part of the mind that mediates between the conscious and the unconscious and is responsible for reality testing and a sense of personal identity. ***Introspective.*** spends considerable time examining his thoughts and feelings. ***Delineating.*** describe or portray (something) precisely. ***Existentialism.*** philosophical theory or approach that emphasizes the existence of the person as a free and responsible agent determining their development through acts of the will. ***Philosophical.*** relating or devoted to the study of the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality, and existence. ***Idealism.*** any of various systems of thought in which the objects of knowledge are held to be in some way dependent on the activity of the mind. ***Nothingness.*** worthlessness; insignificance; unimportance. ***Illusion.*** a deceptive appearance or impression. ***Transcendental Entity.*** concept of the soul that exists entirely apart from the body. ***Selfhood.*** state of having an individual identity. ***Freedom.*** power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint. ***Autonomy.*** independence or freedom, as of the will or one\'s actions. ***Responsibility.*** opportunity or ability to act independently and make decisions without authorization. ***Daunting.*** seeming difficult to deal with in anticipation; intimidating. ***Human Existence.*** experiencing oneself as alive in meaningful and fulfilling ways. **SUMMARY** Jean-Paul Sartre\'s philosophy of existentialism emphasizes the importance of self-consciousness and the ego in shaping our lives. He believes that self-consciousness is an active process of reflection and introspection, causing anxiety and responsibility. Sartre rejects the idea of a fixed self, arguing that it is an illusion created by habits and routines. Instead, he suggests that individuals are composed of multiple selves with their desires, fears, and motivations, creating a sense of disunity and fragmentation. Sartre\'s philosophy of \"existence precedes essence\" emphasizes that individuals exist first and define themselves through their choices and actions, rather than being defined by a pre-existing essence or nature. This philosophy critiques modern society\'s tendency towards conformity and complacency, urging individuals to embrace their freedom and take responsibility for their lives. This philosophy offers a powerful critique of modern society\'s tendency towards conformity and complacency. **MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS** 1. 2. A.) Phenomenology of the Self B.) Ontology of Nothingness C.) Existential Psychoanalysis D.) Self-Consciousness and the Ego 3. A.) The Critique of Dialectical Reason B.) Being and Nothingness C.) Existentialism is a Humanism D.) The Imaginary 4. A.) Reality B.) Fiction C.) Material D.) Substance 5. A.) A consciousness aware of itself and external objects B.) A passive objectified consciousness C.) A state devoid of self-awareness D.) A form of reflective thinking 6. A.) Freedom is limited by external factors B.) Freedom is determined by fate C.) Freedom is shaped by our choices D.) Freedom is a myth 7. A.) Acknowledging a fixed ego B.) Ignoring the constructed nature of the self C.) Repressing freedom and choice D.) Acknowledging the fluidity of our identities 8. A.) It is shaped by our responsible choices 9. 10. A.) Good faith B.) Authenticity C.) Bad Faith D.) Existential crisis 11. A.) Consciousness creates the world's reality B.) The world exists independently of consciousness C.) Consciousness and the world are the same D.) The world depends on consciousness to exist 12. A.) Experiences have no impact B.) Experiences create a fixed ego C.) Experiences contribute to the narrative of the ego D.) Experiences destroy the ego 13. A.) Reflective consciousness B.) Unconsciousness C.) Pre-reflective consciousness D.) Subconsciousness 14. A.) External limitations B.) Individual responsibility and choice C.) Predetermined fate D.) Biological imperatives 15. A.) Human nature B.) Consciousness C.) Selfhood D.) External reality **KEY ANSWERS** 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. **REFERENCES**