8. JEAN PAUL SARTRE
A Philosopher, Atheist, Teacher, an Existentialist.
one of the key figures in the philosophy of
existentialism, a French playwright, novelist,
screenwriter, political activist, biographer, and
literary critic, as well as a leading figure in
20th-century French philosophy and Marxism.
9. JEAN PAUL SARTRE’s Atheistic View
Sartre’s absolute freedom can be best explained from his atheistic view
– if god does not exist, then everything is permissible.
According to him, “if there are no guidelines for our actions, then each of
us is forced to design our own moral code, to invent a morality to live by.”
That’s what makes Sartre an atheist after all.
10. JEAN PAUL SARTRE’s Existentialist
View
Existence precedes essence.
Existentialism is a philosophical theory or approach that emphasizes the
existence of the individual person as a free and responsible agent
determining their own development through acts of the will. Jean Paul
Sartre would definitely not agree with determinism, simply because for
him, all individuals should make their own path to life.
11. FREEDOM IS ABSOLUTE
Sartre’s absolute freedom consists of these two realities – that we can
do anything (good or evil), and at the same time, we choose to live
our own way of life. In a nutshell, WE ARE CONDEMNED TO BE
FREE!
12. ABSOLUTE FREEDOM
Absolute freedom means the act of free will to choose – and we cannot avoid the act of
choosing. Sartre's conception of choice can best be understood by reference to an
individual's original choice.
Example, you choose to be a religious. A religious person is morally upright because there
are certain standards of living especially when we correlate it with ethics. When our original
choice is to live a moral life, therefore everything follows! It will create a domino effect in a
sense that if you choose to live a good life, then all your choices are good in any way. In fact,
these choices are not made out of the influences by the environment. But take note, these
choices are personal choices
13. LET’S DO AN ACTIVITY
My Bucket List
For 15 minutes, do self-reflection. Remember the things you have done from
the past. Think of the things you want to do. Write down in your paper 10
things you wish you could do before you die.
After, analyze your bucket list by answering the following questions below:
1. Is it possible for you to do all the things you listed? How?
2. What can you say if you are unable to do all these?
3. What do you think are the hindrances that could stop you from doing all these? Name
some and explain.
4. If you cannot fulfil your bucket list, does it mean failure to your whole life? Think deeply.
Elaborate your answer.
Editor's Notes
ARISTOTLE (THE POWER OFVOLITION)◦Volition (Choice or decisions)◦INTELLECT and WILL isinseparable◦It’s the will that translates something into an action
LOVE IS FREEDOM
HUMAN BEINGS ARE UNIQUE BECAUSE THEY CAN CHANGETHEMSELVES AND THE OTHERS FOR THE BETTER
HUMAN BEING IS A MORAL AGENT
OUR RATIONALITY SEPARATES US FROM OTHER ANIMALS
WE HAVE CONSCIENCE
IT IS OUR RESPONSIBILITY TO CHOOSE BETWEEN GOODOR EVIL
ST. THOMAS AQUINAS
HUMAN BEING HAS A SUPERNATURALTRANSCENDENTAL DESTINY
TO PERSEVERE TO BE RIGHTEOUS TRANSCENDSHIS/HER MORTAL LIFE INTO AN IMMORTAL ONE.
CHANGE SHOULD BE WITH GOD
CHANGE SHOULD PROMOTE NOT JUST PURELYPRIVATE ADVANTAGE BUT ALSO THE GOOD OFCOMMUNITY
In order to remove the obstacles in front of human freedom, Sartre argues that existence precedes essence. If existence precedes essence, man himself, will create his essence, and thus will be responsible for his actions. In this way of thinking, there is no necessity for the existence of God.