Give a critical explanation of the following quotation from Sartre's "Humanism as Existentialism":.
"If existence really does precede essence, there is no explaining things away by reference to a fixed and given human nature. In other words, there is no determinism, man is free, man is freedom. On the other hand, if God does not exist, we find no values or commands to turn to which legitimize our conduct. So, in the bright realm of values, we have no excuse behind us, nor justification before us. We are alone, with no excuses.
That is the idea I shall try to convey when I say that man is condemned to be free.".
With this quote taken from his essay "Humanism as Existentialism", 20th century French philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre has been able to identify major ideas and concepts and reinforce those issues he has set forth to shape the school of philosophy broadly known as "existentialism".
The Webster's New World Dictionary defines existentialism as "The doctrine that existence takes precedence over essence and holding that man is totally free and responsible for his acts. This responsibility is the source of dread and anguish that encompass mankind". Sartre's existentialism stems from this definition beginning with the basic principle that in man, and in man alone, existence precedes essence. In stating that existence precedes essence, Sartre's is merely saying that a person is, therefore exists, before his human essence comes into being that will determine what he is. This theory is put forth under the belief that it preserves human freedom by removing the deterministic view of human beings, because if the what predetermines a human being, this same what would also restrict the human being to live as a free and self determined person. If essence does not precede existence then man is free, his life is not predetermined and he alone is then responsible for deciding what he is and must choose by compulsion at every moment of his life.
"Existentialism and Humanism" Sarte Existentialism is defined in the dictionary as a philosophical theory emphasizing the existence of the individual as a free and self-determining agent. ... He makes his first principle of existentialism the statement that: Man is nothing else but that which he makes of himself. I would say that Sarte's idea of freedom comes in his philosophy of existentialism. ...
Existentialism seems to undermine the possibility of traditional morality Existentialism-is a philosophy that emphasizes the uniqueness and isolation of the individual experience in a hostile or indifferent universe, regards human existence as unexplainable, and stresses freedom of choice and responsibility for the consequences of one's acts (Dictionary.com). ... Sartre said that "existentialism is a humanism." ...
Renaissance humanism emerged out of the rigid Medieval theocratic tradition but managed to elevate the position of man in the world without subverting the basis of Christianity (the accepted tradition of the time) or removing man from the established teleological framework. ... In a prefiguration of existentialism, he highlights free will as a liberating force and that by it; man gains not only the privilege, but also the responsibility, to elevate himself in the hierarchy of beings both corporeal and divine. ...
In his work "Existentialism is Humanism," Satre makes the claim that there is no excuse for the person we become (Sartre, 2007). He states the starting point of existentialism- the non-existence of God- this makes us responsible for all our actions (Sartre, 2007). ... Sartre states that in existentialism there is no belief in the power of passion (Satre, 2007). ...
Certain aspect of the European philosophy: existentialism can be found in the Japanese samurai code. ... Existentialism according to Jean-Paul Sartre isthe philosophy that man's existence precedes his essence. ... Existentialism is a western philosophy because its theorists are from a European origin. ... Sartre also states in Existentialism and Humanismman is nothing else but that which he makes of himself? ...
A comparison from a 20th century (existentialist) perspective. "The time frame from 1776 through the start of the 20th century was period of evolution for the West in determining what we believed and how we would govern ourselves. The time period proceeding this revolutionary period is known as th...
., to American literature is twofold: through his artistry he has helped elevate the pulp genre of science fiction to the level of critical recognition; and through his philosophy he offers a mixture of wistful humanism and cynical existentialism that implies a war of dealing with modern realities completely different from that of most American writers (8). ...
Adventures and Perfect Moments Adventures and perfect moments, two decievingly simple terms to the causal observer. The philsopher Jean-Paul Sartre discusses both of these topics in his novel, Nausea, and in his essay, "Existentialism is a Humanism." Perfect moments are not easily defined bec...
The "state of nature- of human beings was the focal point for many of the 1500th -1900th century philosophers. Many of these philosophers attempted to understand and describe humans in this original condition. One of the most intriguing aspects of man was the concept of human interaction as it pertained to cooperation and competition. Theories, hypothesizes, and explanations were plentiful and very diverse. As the various facets of man were studied, the exchange of ideas and information regarding human interaction created a variety of new philosophies. ...