What is existentialism? Existentialism is a Humanism

What is Existentialism?

Introduction to Existentialism

• Mark Thorsby introduces the topic of existentialism, focusing on Jean-Paul Sartre's essay "Existentialism is a Humanism."

• He describes existentialism as both a philosophical approach and a cultural movement that emerged in the 20th century, influencing various disciplines beyond philosophy.

• The discussion will primarily center on the philosophical aspects of existentialism rather than its cultural implications.

Key Concepts in Existentialist Philosophy

• Thorsby notes that defining existentialism can be challenging due to differing interpretations among philosophers; Sartre's work serves as a foundational reference.

• A crucial distinction is made between existence and essence: existence refers to "that something is," while essence pertains to "what something is."

Existence vs. Essence

• Existence denotes the presence of an object (e.g., a coffee cup), whereas essence defines its purpose or nature.

• In classical philosophy, essence holds logical priority over existence; understanding what something fundamentally is takes precedence over acknowledging its existence.

Logical Priority Explained

• Thorsby uses the analogy of cornerstones in a building to illustrate logical priority—foundational elements are more critical than those positioned above them.

• This concept emphasizes that understanding the fundamental nature of things (essence) has historically been prioritized over merely recognizing their existence.

Essentialist vs. Existentialist Approaches

• Classical philosophers aimed to define universal truths about concepts (essentialist project), while existentialists argue that existence itself should be the starting point for understanding essence.

• For example, questions about happiness focus on universal definitions rather than individual experiences, highlighting essentialist thinking versus existentialist perspectives.

Conclusion on Existential Thought

• The existentialist view posits that existence informs essence; thus, one must consider how beings unfold in reality rather than relying solely on predefined concepts.

Existentialism and Its Key Philosophers

Introduction to Existentialism

• The concept of existentialism posits that "existence precedes essence," meaning that a person's existence is prioritized over their predetermined nature or essence.

• Jean-Paul Sartre's essay, Existentialism is a Humanism, applies this notion specifically to human beings, emphasizing the importance of individual existence.

Important Existentialist Philosophers

• Two major philosophers from the 19th century, Friedrich Nietzsche and Søren Kierkegaard, are foundational figures in existential thought. They did not identify as existentialists but contributed significantly to the philosophy of existence.

• Nietzsche argues against the existence of God and suggests that morality is created through human will rather than being inherent. He emphasizes that our moral concepts arise from our lived experiences.

• In contrast, Kierkegaard believes in God's existence and differentiates between types of life: aesthetic, ethical, and religious. He asserts that understanding one's type of existence is crucial for finding personal meaning.

Divergence within Existentialism

• The early 20th century saw philosophers like Martin Heidegger and Jean-Paul Sartre emerge as key figures in existentialism. Other notable thinkers include Albert Camus, Karl Jaspers, and Emmanuel Levinas.

• Each philosopher presents divergent views on existential themes; thus, it may be more accurate to refer to "existentialisms" rather than a singular existentialist philosophy.

The Quest for Meaning

• Existentialism addresses the fundamental question of meaning in life. Philosopher Edmund Husserl highlights this problem by questioning what it means for things to have significance.

• Unlike other philosophical schools, existentialism directly engages with questions about living a meaningful life through an exploration of human existence.

Sartre's Contribution

• Sartre's essay serves as an introduction to key concepts in existential thought. It was originally presented as a lecture in 1945.

• Notable works by Sartre include Nausea (his famous novel), Being and Nothingness (his primary work on existentialism), and later writings reflecting his engagement with Marxist ideas.

Existentialism: Defending Against Critiques

Charges Against Existentialism

• The first charge against existentialism is "desperate quietism," primarily from Communists, who argue that the philosophy appears nihilistic and suggests a lack of motivation to act due to perceived meaninglessness.

• This critique raises concerns about political activism, questioning the motivation for action if there is no affirmative answer to the problem of meaning.

• The second critique comes from Christian critics, who argue that existentialism focuses on human degradation rather than higher forms of existence.

Sartre's Response and Foundations of Existentialism

• Sartre begins addressing these critiques by emphasizing pure subjectivity as the starting point for existentialist thought.

• He references René Descartes' famous phrase "Cogito, ergo sum" (I think, therefore I am), which establishes thinking as proof of existence and serves as a foundation for modern philosophy.

• Descartes argues that even in doubt—such as questioning reality or one's own existence—the act of thinking confirms one's existence.

Subjectivity vs. Objectivity

• Sartre distinguishes between subjective experience (internal consciousness) and objective reality (external world), asserting that while we are thinking beings, our inner lives are inaccessible to others.

• This distinction underlines the importance of individual subjectivity in understanding knowledge and existence within existentialist philosophy.

Central Tenets of Existentialism

• Sartre posits that existentialism makes human life possible by asserting that every truth and action is rooted in human subjectivity.

• He identifies two main types of existentialism: Christian existentialism (e.g., Kierkegaard) and atheistic existentialism (e.g., Nietzsche), highlighting their differing views on the role of God in defining purpose.

Existence Precedes Essence

• Sartre illustrates his concept with an example: unlike objects like paper cutters, which have defined purposes, humans lack a predetermined essence or purpose at birth.

Understanding the Role of God and Existentialism in Life's Purpose

The Concept of God as a Transcendent Guarantee

• The idea presented is that if there is a monotheistic God, such as the Christian God, then our life's purpose is known to Him, similar to how one understands the purpose of an object like a paper cutter.

• God's will becomes central to understanding one's life purpose; if God exists, discovering His will is essential for determining personal meaning.

• Philosophically, the existence of an infinite being (God) provides a framework for answering existential questions about life and purpose.

Essence vs. Existence

• In contrast to existentialist thought where existence precedes essence, the belief in God suggests that essence (purpose defined by God's will) precedes existence.

• This discussion does not focus on Christian existentialists but rather on atheistic perspectives; however, figures like Kierkegaard represent those who believe in God while still emphasizing individual existence.

Historical Context of Atheistic Existentialism

• The philosophical loss of God has been noted since the Enlightenment era with thinkers like Diderot and Voltaire recognizing this shift towards atheism.

• Kant's work contributed to diminishing God's role in philosophy, indicating a long-standing trend rather than a new phenomenon within existentialist thought.

Sartre's Perspective on Human Existence

• Sartre posits that if God does not exist, humans are unique beings whose existence precedes their essence; they define themselves through their actions and choices.

• Unlike objects whose meanings are discovered, human reality is forged through individual experiences and choices—highlighting a key distinction between existentialists and essentialists.

Subjectivity in Existential Philosophy

• Sartre emphasizes that individuals cannot transcend their subjectivity; every choice reflects personal experience while also universalizing subjective views.

Existentialism and Human Choice

The Nature of Choice in Existentialism

• Making a choice reflects not only personal values but also implies that others should make the same choice, suggesting a humanistic perspective on existence.

• Choosing to marry monogamously indicates that one believes this is the best choice for all, projecting personal decisions onto humanity as a whole.

• Existentialism begins with subjective experiences; however, individual choices carry implications for all people, creating a sense of shared responsibility.

Key Concepts: Anguish, Forlornness, and Despair

Anguish

• Anguish arises from recognizing the weight of one's choices as they reflect on all humanity; it embodies the anxiety tied to making significant decisions.

• Sartre uses Abraham's story from religious texts to illustrate how an individual's faith-driven choice can resonate universally, highlighting the tension between subjective experience and universal morality.

Forlornness

• Forlornness acknowledges the absence of God in existentialist thought; without divine guidance or predetermined purpose, individuals must create their own meaning.

• The concept of "a priori" suggests that if God does not exist prior to our existence, we are left without inherent answers about life's meaning or purpose.

The Burden of Freedom

• Sartre posits that freedom comes with overwhelming responsibility; realizing this can lead individuals to feel trapped by their own freedom.

Existential Choices and Human Responsibility

The Dilemma of Choice

• A young man seeks guidance from Sartre, facing a personal crisis due to his father's collaboration during the Nazi occupation and the death of his brother.

• He must choose between joining the Free French forces in England or staying with his mother, who relies on him for emotional support.

The Nature of Existence and Choice

• Sartre emphasizes that only the individual can make their choice; it cannot be found in philosophy books but through personal existence.

• The student’s reluctance to acknowledge his situation reflects a desire for external validation rather than accepting personal responsibility.

Despair and Responsibility

• Sartre introduces despair as recognizing one's limitations while understanding that individuals are responsible for their choices.

• He argues that true conquest lies within oneself rather than attempting to change the world, highlighting an infinite responsibility towards one’s actions.

Existentialism vs. Quietism

• Sartre contrasts existentialism with quietism, asserting that existentialism is about active engagement rather than resignation.

• He describes existentialism as optimistic toughness, beginning with subjectivity and emphasizing action as essential criteria for existence.

Materialism and Subjectivity

• Sartre critiques materialism for reducing humanity to mere objects, failing to recognize our subjective nature.

• He addresses concerns about existentialism being perceived as a Western philosophy, arguing its universal applicability across cultures.

Ethics in Existential Thought

• Existential ethics focuses on individual subjectivity; each person's life is akin to a work of art shaped by their choices.

• While acknowledging humanistic values, Sartre warns against idolizing humanity, suggesting this could lead to fascist ideologies.

Understanding Existentialism

The Human Condition and Digitalism

• The discussion emphasizes that existentialism recognizes the human condition, portraying digitalism as an optimistic doctrine of action. It highlights our freedom and responsibility in shaping our existence.

Key Takeaways on Existentialism

• A crucial takeaway from the lecture is that "existence precedes essence," which is a foundational concept in existentialist thought. This idea suggests that individuals create their own meaning through choices rather than relying on external guarantees like God.

Implications of Existential Choices