Existentialism and Humanism

Synopsis

Originally delivered as a lecture in Paris in 1945, "Existentialism and Humanism" is Sartre's seminal defence of his original doctrine of existentialism and a plan for its practical application to everyday human life.

Summary

Chapter 1: Existentialism is a Humanism

Existentialism is often misunderstood as a pessimistic philosophy that sees the world as meaningless and absurd. However, existentialist philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre argues that it is actually a humanism because it emphasizes the importance of individual freedom and responsibility.

Real Example: The existentialist philosopher Albert Camus wrote the novel "The Stranger," which tells the story of a young man who murders an Arab and is condemned to death. The novel explores themes of individual freedom, morality, and the meaninglessness of life.

Chapter 2: The Origin of Existentialism

Existentialism has its roots in the 19th-century philosophy of Søren Kierkegaard, who emphasized the importance of subjective experience and individual choice. Other existentialist philosophers include Friedrich Nietzsche, who argued that God is dead and that humans must create their own values, and Martin Heidegger, who explored the concept of Dasein, or being-in-the-world.

Real Example: The existentialist philosopher Simone de Beauvoir wrote the book "The Second Sex," which explored the oppression of women and argued for their liberation.

Chapter 3: Nihilism

Nihilism is a philosophical position that holds that life is meaningless and purposeless. Existentialists often engage with nihilism but ultimately reject it. Sartre argues that even if life is meaningless, we can still find meaning in our own actions and choices.

Real Example: The existentialist philosopher Albert Camus wrote the essay "The Myth of Sisyphus," which explored the concept of nihilism and argued that even in the face of absurdity, we can find meaning in our own struggles.

Chapter 4: The Transcendence of the Ego

Existentialism emphasizes the importance of transcending the ego, or our individualistic selves. Sartre argues that we must go beyond our own self-interests and concerns and engage with the world in a responsible and authentic way.

Real Example: The existentialist psychologist Rollo May wrote the book "Love and Will," which explored the importance of love and genuine encounter in transcending the ego.

Chapter 5: The Existentialist Ethics

Existentialism offers an ethics based on individual freedom and responsibility. Sartre argues that we are not simply born into a predetermined role or destiny but that we must create our own values and forge our own path.

Real Example: The existentialist philosopher Hannah Arendt wrote the book "The Human Condition," which explored the existentialist ethics of action and responsibility.

Chapter 6: Existentialism and Marxism

Existentialism and Marxism are two philosophical perspectives that have often been contrasted and compared. Existentialism emphasizes individual freedom and responsibility, while Marxism emphasizes social and economic conditions. Sartre and other existentialists have argued that Marxism can lead to a loss of individual freedom and responsibility, while Marxists have argued that existentialism can be too individualistic and ignore the importance of social inequality.

Real Example: The existentialist philosopher Herbert Marcuse wrote the book "One-Dimensional Man," which explored the dangers of a technologically advanced and consumerist society and argued for a more authentic and existentialist form of socialism.

Chapter 7: Conclusion

Existentialism is a complex and multifaceted philosophy that has had a profound impact on Western thought and culture. It emphasizes the importance of individual freedom, responsibility, and authenticity, and it offers a unique perspective on the meaning of life and the human condition.