“No Reality Except in Action”: Exploring Existential Thought through Sartre’s Defense
The existential philosophy, by its very nature, invites a certain amount of criticism. Opponents contend that the thinking promotes futility and a certain amount of pessimism leading to the reluctance or inability to act: quietism. Others suggest that existentialism is far too myopic, selective, and intrinsically focused on the negative side of human experience. The theologically inclined (understandably) cannot support a world-view that denies that an exterior deity creates an inherent predestination within men. They see that it lacks the establishment of ethical and moral norms based upon that relationship with our creator. There also exists a great amount of confusion between humanism and existentialism; which appear compatible yet arrive at their philosophical conclusions by distinct methodologies. Towards the effectual defense of the existential position and clarification of its ideals, Jean-Paul Sartre produced Existentialism and Human Emotion (1957). Let’s break down some of the key points contained within this important defense and explore how it contributed to the collective thinking during the postwar period.
The main point that I take away from the reading is that the existential philosophy can be extremely liberating, optimistic, and empowering when the individual realizes the freedom his/her choices and actions produce. The power that man possesses is found in the ability to define who he will be. He states, “…at first he is nothing. Only afterward will he be something” (Sartre, 15). This is performed, or enacted, by the choices he must make and the responsibility those choices have in his relationship with his fellow man, not just contemporaneously but in the continuum humanity (16-18).
Surprisingly, the existentialist laments the exclusion of God from his reasoning. For without a deity to prescribe value, morality and parameters for behavior, the individual takes on the ultimate responsibility for his choices and actions (22). Therein lies the rub. One cannot simultaneously refuse God’s structuring of creation and then make excuses for his choices. As Sartre masterfully puts it; “We are alone, with no excuses” (23). Not to draw great philosophical conclusions from Spiderman comics but, “With great power comes great responsibility” (Quotes). We are at the same time liberated by escaping determinism and tasked with forming our own future.
My favorite quote from the reading is “…freedom desires both itself and the freedom of others” (47). What consideration of the collective good. What selfless tenant; in that none are free lest they desire the same for our fellow man. I relate wholeheartedly to this sentiment. Are we not defined by our lowest common denominators as a species? Our freedom is both an individual freedom of choice that defines us and the effect of our choices upon others. I think this is brilliant, responsible, and extremely optimistic…..something Sartre would appreciate.
If I had to extrapolate existentialist philosophy into a discussion of postwar society then I would say that it formed the basis for improving social disparities. The civil rights movements needed to convince those outside their ranks that their choices and decisions affect others and define themselves. They have the choice, the responsibility to seek individual freedoms as well as freedom for all regardless of gender, race, class, or economic station. Sartre challenged all people to define themselves and be responsible for that conscious decision (16). This awareness if one’s identity and relationship to externalities must have promoted considerable self-awareness leading to profound social transformations.
Works Cited
Sartre, J., & Frechtman, B. (1947). Existentialism. New York: Philosophical Library.
"Quotes." IMDb. IMDb.com, n.d. Web. 06 Sept. 2016. <http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0145487/quotes>.
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