Sartres Concept: Existentialist Philosophical System

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The idea that existence comes before essence is a cornerstone of Jean-Paul Sartres existentialist philosophical system. It implies that humans create their essence via their choices and actions in life rather than being born with a predetermined nature or purpose. Sartre believed that a persons existence, or the fact that they were alive, came before their essence or the characteristics and characteristics that defined them. Sartre believed that people were free to create their own identities and were not constrained by other forces like their genes, upbringing, or cultural standards (Mirkhan, 2022). Therefore, the fact that everything, including people, have an essence or inherent nature, it is possible to see Sartres claim that existence precedes essence as an exaggeration. Sartre contends that this essence, instead of being predetermined or fixed, is molded by peoples life decisions and deeds (Mirkhan, 2022). The notion that existence comes before essence highlights the importance of personal choice and accountability in creating ones identity and purpose in life.

Moreover, understanding and being aware of our essence may be necessary for human existence to have any significance. But for most people, it is more common that their life shapes their essence than the other way around. Sartres assertion suggests that being human is a concept or idea that comes after existence in this sense (Mirkhan, 2022). For instance, a person can decide to pursue a career in medicine because they value giving back to society. In this situation, their existence, the decisions they make, and the acts they take in life define their essence, the attributes of being kind and sensitive. Other philosophical perspectives, such as essentialism, contend that a persons existence is only an expression of their permanent, unchanging nature. In Sartres opinion, this viewpoint was constrictive and did not account for the full range of human freedom and potential (Mirkhan, 2022). Therefore, although Sartres assertion that existence precedes essence may be considered exaggerated, it also emphasizes the importance of individual responsibility and choice in determining ones identity and purpose.

Reference

Mirkhan, S. K. (2022). Self-wisdom in Jean-Paul Sartres nausea: An existential study. Qalaai Zanist Scientific Journal, 7(1). Web.

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