Existence Precedes Essence - Free Paper Sample

Introduction

Sartre proposes that there is no predetermined framework that human beings ought to position themselves, unlike the created objects such as mugs and chairs. He argues that human beings have no essential features antecedent to their actions and have no essential elements that do not give descriptions of how they act (Philosophy 1100). In other words, Sartre means that man has existence, turns up, makes an appearance on the scene, and subsequently redefines himself (Philosophy 1100). He bases his argument on atheistic existentialism, which presupposes that since God exists, there exists one being in whom existence precedes essence, and that is a man (Philosophy 1100). Consequently, it falls upon human beings to create their meaning, place their values on their actions. That personal freedom is unconditional and unrestrained since they do not own any intrinsic identification or value (Philosophy 1100). In a sense, worth or identity must be created by human beings themselves, and this is done through the exhibition of actions that accounts for them. Resultantly, man makes their actuality more outstanding.

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Anguish

Since man is all about whatever he makes himself, human beings should not have a rigid nature beforehand, and thus, man is responsible for the real environment. This concept demands that it is vital to make man aware of what he is as the first step, then secondly, make him responsible for not only his being but for all humankind (Philosophy 1100). If therefore, one makes a choice, it follows that the judgment and decision taken is the best for all men in the same circumstance and that everyone should make a similar choice. This theory suggests that lives are determined by our thoughts and actions, which can ideally be determined by an individual. For instance, Sartre argues that when an individual creates the man he wants to be, all his actions are directed towards creating what any man wants to look like (Philosophy 1100). As a result, man chooses good and that nothing can be suitable for a single individual but the entire human race.

In support, the concept requires that we should consider an individual’s life as the life that all men desire and that when an individual chooses himself, it is perfect to say that he wants man because one is responsible for not only himself but the human race (Philosophy 1100). Furthermore, an individual’s actions dictate how the rest should act. Should one’s actions fail to depict behavior that is desirable for all beings, Sartre considers it an act of bad faith and failure to take responsibility (Philosophy 1100). Again, this concept implies that an individual who engages oneself and recognizes that he is not only the character he designates but also a policymaker. Hence, he is concurrently selecting all men and himself, and cannot aid in eliminating the solicitude of his entire and profound responsibility (Philosophy 1100). As such, we ought to think of an individual’s life as a collective responsibility of all men.

Forlornness

According to this concept, human beings deal with consequences arising from the inexistence of God. Because God does not exist, it is impossible to change anything (Philosophy 1100). Inevitably, people's present beliefs, such as honesty, bearing children, not beating wives, and others, will persist for as long as they are functional. Likewise, values such as progress, reliability, and humanism shall prevail (Philosophy, 1100). Since God does not exist, it is insufficient to expect values written somewhere in a heaven of ideas, but that the benefits people cling on are entirely created by themselves (Philosophy 1100). Resultantly, the good or bad deeds and values of our lives depict what we are as men because the universe consists of only men.

Besides, the idea of forlornness implies that since there is no rigidity in human nature, it is almost impossible to make excuses. As such, man has the freedom to choose and that the absence of God informs that men have no written values to dwell on, which will dictate our conduct (Philosophy 1100). Additionally, we should consider our lives as our own since we are alone on the planet. The fact that we are all alone and free to make choices and decisions that best suits humanity goes a long way in presenting us with ultimately no excuse for whatever action we make and no justification for anything we want to partake (Philosophy 1100). Human beings may not, therefore, fail to offer help to fellow men. There is no room for refuge in the perceptions of human behavior and thinking. For example, we cannot say that we are controlled by our nature or run into a particular pattern of conduct, which is likely to suggest that men behave in a specific manner. Resultantly, there are no external forces, which dictate human life.

Despair

Sartre suggests that humankind will confine themselves top identifying with that which relies on our will and desires (Philosophy 1100). A man has the freedom to make their choices and values of their own. Additionally, there are no external forces or nature to decide a particular way of life. Resultantly, a man can't rely on individuals he does not know or an individual’s concern for the society’s good (Philosophy 1100). This viewpoint provides no faith to humanity to perceive that if things are bad today, they might be better tomorrow, and society can abide by the good (Philosophy 1100). However, man can strive to make things better, but if it does not turn out as expected, there is no justification for not remaining so (Philosophy 1100).

Consequently, as individuals choose what is best for them, they should ensure that they collectively select what is best for humanity. Importantly, the social environment has no control over human behavior and life (Philosophy, 1100). So, a man cannot act in bad behavior and purport to blame the social environment (Philosophy 1100). Instead, it is the human behavior that can shape the social environment, and therefore, if individuals act wrongly, then humans are precisely evil.

Conclusion

In conclusion, however, I don't find Sartre's arguments for his position sound for the following reasons. Firstly, Sartre assumes that everything is subjective. For example, since human beings create their nature and values, it implies a specific good or bad. This reasoning leads one to be sure of the life one lives. However, in most cases, it may not be the case, as the future is full of uncertainties. Secondly, Sartre claims in forlornness that the secular ethics scrap God at the minimum possible cost, a concept that Nietzsche's refer to as doing away with God but living His shadow. However, a shadow cannot exist without the actual object or being. This perception, therefore, implies an impossibility.

Reference

Philosophy 1100. The meaning of life: Lecture notes, Sartre.
file:///C:/Users/LENOVO/Downloads/11_Sartre.pdf