'Existentialism is a Humanism' By Jean-Paul Sartre

Jean-Paul Sartre's essay, "Existentialism is a Humanism," serves as a significant exploration of existentialist philosophy. Originally delivered as a lecture in 1945, this text attempts to clarify and defend existentialism against its critics while presenting a concise overview of its core tenets. Sartre's argument revolves around the idea that existentialism is a philosophy that emphasizes human freedom, responsibility, and the absence of predefined values or essences.Sartre begins by addressing the common misconception that existentialism leads to nihilism or moral relativism. He firmly rejects this notion, arguing that existentialism, in fact, upholds a rigorous ethical framework rooted in individual responsibility. He posits that since there is no pre-established human nature or objective moral values, humans are condemned to be free. This "condemnation" implies that individuals must create their values and meaning in life, making them accountable for their choices.To illustrate this, Sartre provides a vivid example of a young man who contemplates whether to join the French Resistance during World War II. According to Sartre, this man is confronted with an "anguish of freedom" because there is no external guidance or moral code to dictate his choice. His decision to join the Resistance represents an act of authentic existence, where he takes full responsibility for his actions, creating his values by committing to a cause he believes in.Sartre also addresses the objection that existentialism is overly pessimistic. He acknowledges that existentialism exposes the inherent despair that arises from the recognition of human freedom, but he insists that it is also a source of hope. The despair is a necessary consequence of realizing that one's choices are not determined by external factors but are entirely one's own. However, this realization also opens the door to authentic living, where individuals can embrace their freedom and create meaningful lives through their choices.Sartre argues that existentialism is fundamentally optimistic because it asserts that humans have the power to shape their destinies. He criticizes those who seek to escape their freedom by adopting various forms of "bad faith," such as conforming to societal norms or relying on external authorities for guidance. According to Sartre, such individuals deny their true nature as free beings and forfeit the opportunity for genuine self-fulfillment.Moreover, Sartre confronts the charge of subjectivism leveled against existentialism. He acknowledges that existentialism emphasizes individual subjectivity, but he asserts that this does not lead to solipsism or moral relativism. Instead, he argues for a universal human subjectivity, suggesting that when individuals make choices, they create a moral code that has universal implications. In other words, one's freedom and responsibility extend to all of humanity, and each person's choices contribute to the collective moral fabric of society.Sartre also touches upon the concept of "bad faith," which occurs when individuals evade their freedom by adopting roles or identities imposed by society. He criticizes those who hide behind their social roles, such as being a waiter, as a way to avoid the anxiety of authentic existence. He underscores that authenticity demands embracing one's freedom and living in full awareness of it, which is a source of both anguish and liberation.In conclusion, Jean-Paul Sartre's essay, "Existentialism is a Humanism," provides a robust defense of existentialist philosophy. He refutes misconceptions that label existentialism as nihilistic or pessimistic, asserting instead that it promotes human freedom and responsibility. Sartre contends that existentialism offers a path to authentic existence, where individuals confront their freedom, create their values, and take responsibility for their choices. While acknowledging the inherent anxiety of freedom, he maintains that it is also a source of hope and optimism, as it empowers individuals to shape their own destinies. In the face of objections like subjectivism and bad faith, Sartre argues that existentialism's emphasis on individual subjectivity ultimately leads to a universal human subjectivity, where each person's choices contribute to a shared moral framework. Overall, Sartre's essay invites readers to embrace the challenges of existentialism and to see in them the potential for a more authentic and meaningful life.