Deck 33: Jean-Paul Sartre

Question 1

Jean-Paul Sartre: Existentialism Is a Humanism
Sartre defines existentialism as the view that "existence precedes essence." To explain this definition, Sartre considers the example of manufactured objects, such as books or paper cutters. Such objects are produced in accordance with a preexisting plan, which specifies their nature and their intended use. In this sense, their essence precedes their existence. Human beings, Sartre contends, are different from such objects in a critical way. In Sartre's view, there is no human nature because there is no God to conceive of it. Instead, humans find themselves existing with no predetermined purpose or essential nature. As a consequence, we must invent ourselves in the absence of any objective standards to legitimate our decisions.
That we find ourselves in the world without a predetermined essence, presents each one of us with the full weight of responsibility. Each of us must choose what we are to be, for we are nothing but what we make of ourselves. In so choosing, however, we are not choosing merely for ourselves. To choose to be something, Sartre claims, is to affirm that thing as valuable, not just for oneself but for all people. Thus, each of our choices commits us to "an image of man as we think he ought to be." To acknowledge this is to be in a state of anguish, for we naturally feel unqualified to impose our own ideals on others. Nonetheless, we have no choice - this is a consequence of our freedom, and we are "condemned to be free." Existentialism, Sartre concludes, is a philosophy that provides no excuses. Each of us is wholly responsible for who we are, and for choosing the standards by which we will guide our lives. If we fail to make something of ourselves, we have no one to blame but ourselves.
-In explaining existentialism, Sartre invokes several slogans. Write an essay critically examining one of these slogans. State the slogan, and explain what Sartre intends it to mean. What reasons does he give in support of the slogan? Do you agree with the slogan? Why or why not?

Answer 1

No Answer

Question 2

Jean-Paul Sartre: Existentialism Is a Humanism
Sartre defines existentialism as the view that "existence precedes essence." To explain this definition, Sartre considers the example of manufactured objects, such as books or paper cutters. Such objects are produced in accordance with a preexisting plan, which specifies their nature and their intended use. In this sense, their essence precedes their existence. Human beings, Sartre contends, are different from such objects in a critical way. In Sartre's view, there is no human nature because there is no God to conceive of it. Instead, humans find themselves existing with no predetermined purpose or essential nature. As a consequence, we must invent ourselves in the absence of any objective standards to legitimate our decisions.
That we find ourselves in the world without a predetermined essence, presents each one of us with the full weight of responsibility. Each of us must choose what we are to be, for we are nothing but what we make of ourselves. In so choosing, however, we are not choosing merely for ourselves. To choose to be something, Sartre claims, is to affirm that thing as valuable, not just for oneself but for all people. Thus, each of our choices commits us to "an image of man as we think he ought to be." To acknowledge this is to be in a state of anguish, for we naturally feel unqualified to impose our own ideals on others. Nonetheless, we have no choice - this is a consequence of our freedom, and we are "condemned to be free." Existentialism, Sartre concludes, is a philosophy that provides no excuses. Each of us is wholly responsible for who we are, and for choosing the standards by which we will guide our lives. If we fail to make something of ourselves, we have no one to blame but ourselves.
-What is role of subjectivity, in Sartre's philosophy? In what sense are our ethical judgments subjective, in Sartre's view? Is ethics really subjective in this way? Defend your answer.

Answer 2

No Answer

Question 3

Jean-Paul Sartre: Existentialism Is a Humanism
Sartre defines existentialism as the view that "existence precedes essence." To explain this definition, Sartre considers the example of manufactured objects, such as books or paper cutters. Such objects are produced in accordance with a preexisting plan, which specifies their nature and their intended use. In this sense, their essence precedes their existence. Human beings, Sartre contends, are different from such objects in a critical way. In Sartre's view, there is no human nature because there is no God to conceive of it. Instead, humans find themselves existing with no predetermined purpose or essential nature. As a consequence, we must invent ourselves in the absence of any objective standards to legitimate our decisions.
That we find ourselves in the world without a predetermined essence, presents each one of us with the full weight of responsibility. Each of us must choose what we are to be, for we are nothing but what we make of ourselves. In so choosing, however, we are not choosing merely for ourselves. To choose to be something, Sartre claims, is to affirm that thing as valuable, not just for oneself but for all people. Thus, each of our choices commits us to "an image of man as we think he ought to be." To acknowledge this is to be in a state of anguish, for we naturally feel unqualified to impose our own ideals on others. Nonetheless, we have no choice - this is a consequence of our freedom, and we are "condemned to be free." Existentialism, Sartre concludes, is a philosophy that provides no excuses. Each of us is wholly responsible for who we are, and for choosing the standards by which we will guide our lives. If we fail to make something of ourselves, we have no one to blame but ourselves.
-What is the relationship between God and morality, according to Sartre? Is objective morality possible only if God exists? Why or why not?

Answer 3

No Answer

Question 4

Jean-Paul Sartre: Existentialism Is a Humanism
Sartre defines existentialism as the view that "existence precedes essence." To explain this definition, Sartre considers the example of manufactured objects, such as books or paper cutters. Such objects are produced in accordance with a preexisting plan, which specifies their nature and their intended use. In this sense, their essence precedes their existence. Human beings, Sartre contends, are different from such objects in a critical way. In Sartre's view, there is no human nature because there is no God to conceive of it. Instead, humans find themselves existing with no predetermined purpose or essential nature. As a consequence, we must invent ourselves in the absence of any objective standards to legitimate our decisions.
That we find ourselves in the world without a predetermined essence, presents each one of us with the full weight of responsibility. Each of us must choose what we are to be, for we are nothing but what we make of ourselves. In so choosing, however, we are not choosing merely for ourselves. To choose to be something, Sartre claims, is to affirm that thing as valuable, not just for oneself but for all people. Thus, each of our choices commits us to "an image of man as we think he ought to be." To acknowledge this is to be in a state of anguish, for we naturally feel unqualified to impose our own ideals on others. Nonetheless, we have no choice - this is a consequence of our freedom, and we are "condemned to be free." Existentialism, Sartre concludes, is a philosophy that provides no excuses. Each of us is wholly responsible for who we are, and for choosing the standards by which we will guide our lives. If we fail to make something of ourselves, we have no one to blame but ourselves.
-Explain Sartre's case of the student facing the moral dilemma. What options does the student face, and why is it difficult for him to decide? What advice does Sartre give the student? What advice would you give?

Question 5

Jean-Paul Sartre: Existentialism Is a Humanism
Sartre defines existentialism as the view that "existence precedes essence." To explain this definition, Sartre considers the example of manufactured objects, such as books or paper cutters. Such objects are produced in accordance with a preexisting plan, which specifies their nature and their intended use. In this sense, their essence precedes their existence. Human beings, Sartre contends, are different from such objects in a critical way. In Sartre's view, there is no human nature because there is no God to conceive of it. Instead, humans find themselves existing with no predetermined purpose or essential nature. As a consequence, we must invent ourselves in the absence of any objective standards to legitimate our decisions.
That we find ourselves in the world without a predetermined essence, presents each one of us with the full weight of responsibility. Each of us must choose what we are to be, for we are nothing but what we make of ourselves. In so choosing, however, we are not choosing merely for ourselves. To choose to be something, Sartre claims, is to affirm that thing as valuable, not just for oneself but for all people. Thus, each of our choices commits us to "an image of man as we think he ought to be." To acknowledge this is to be in a state of anguish, for we naturally feel unqualified to impose our own ideals on others. Nonetheless, we have no choice - this is a consequence of our freedom, and we are "condemned to be free." Existentialism, Sartre concludes, is a philosophy that provides no excuses. Each of us is wholly responsible for who we are, and for choosing the standards by which we will guide our lives. If we fail to make something of ourselves, we have no one to blame but ourselves.
-What two kinds of existentialism does Sartre distinguish? What does he claim that they have in common? Explain this view.

Question 6

Jean-Paul Sartre: Existentialism Is a Humanism
Sartre defines existentialism as the view that "existence precedes essence." To explain this definition, Sartre considers the example of manufactured objects, such as books or paper cutters. Such objects are produced in accordance with a preexisting plan, which specifies their nature and their intended use. In this sense, their essence precedes their existence. Human beings, Sartre contends, are different from such objects in a critical way. In Sartre's view, there is no human nature because there is no God to conceive of it. Instead, humans find themselves existing with no predetermined purpose or essential nature. As a consequence, we must invent ourselves in the absence of any objective standards to legitimate our decisions.
That we find ourselves in the world without a predetermined essence, presents each one of us with the full weight of responsibility. Each of us must choose what we are to be, for we are nothing but what we make of ourselves. In so choosing, however, we are not choosing merely for ourselves. To choose to be something, Sartre claims, is to affirm that thing as valuable, not just for oneself but for all people. Thus, each of our choices commits us to "an image of man as we think he ought to be." To acknowledge this is to be in a state of anguish, for we naturally feel unqualified to impose our own ideals on others. Nonetheless, we have no choice - this is a consequence of our freedom, and we are "condemned to be free." Existentialism, Sartre concludes, is a philosophy that provides no excuses. Each of us is wholly responsible for who we are, and for choosing the standards by which we will guide our lives. If we fail to make something of ourselves, we have no one to blame but ourselves.
-Sartre writes, "In choosing myself, I choose man." What does he mean by this, and how does he argue for it? Do you agree that we have the kind of responsibility that Sartre claims we do?

Question 7

Jean-Paul Sartre: Existentialism Is a Humanism
Sartre defines existentialism as the view that "existence precedes essence." To explain this definition, Sartre considers the example of manufactured objects, such as books or paper cutters. Such objects are produced in accordance with a preexisting plan, which specifies their nature and their intended use. In this sense, their essence precedes their existence. Human beings, Sartre contends, are different from such objects in a critical way. In Sartre's view, there is no human nature because there is no God to conceive of it. Instead, humans find themselves existing with no predetermined purpose or essential nature. As a consequence, we must invent ourselves in the absence of any objective standards to legitimate our decisions.
That we find ourselves in the world without a predetermined essence, presents each one of us with the full weight of responsibility. Each of us must choose what we are to be, for we are nothing but what we make of ourselves. In so choosing, however, we are not choosing merely for ourselves. To choose to be something, Sartre claims, is to affirm that thing as valuable, not just for oneself but for all people. Thus, each of our choices commits us to "an image of man as we think he ought to be." To acknowledge this is to be in a state of anguish, for we naturally feel unqualified to impose our own ideals on others. Nonetheless, we have no choice - this is a consequence of our freedom, and we are "condemned to be free." Existentialism, Sartre concludes, is a philosophy that provides no excuses. Each of us is wholly responsible for who we are, and for choosing the standards by which we will guide our lives. If we fail to make something of ourselves, we have no one to blame but ourselves.
-Why are some people horrified by existentialism, according to Sartre? What is your reaction to existentialism? Do you find the view plausible?

Question 8

Jean-Paul Sartre: Existentialism Is a Humanism
Sartre defines existentialism as the view that "existence precedes essence." To explain this definition, Sartre considers the example of manufactured objects, such as books or paper cutters. Such objects are produced in accordance with a preexisting plan, which specifies their nature and their intended use. In this sense, their essence precedes their existence. Human beings, Sartre contends, are different from such objects in a critical way. In Sartre's view, there is no human nature because there is no God to conceive of it. Instead, humans find themselves existing with no predetermined purpose or essential nature. As a consequence, we must invent ourselves in the absence of any objective standards to legitimate our decisions.
That we find ourselves in the world without a predetermined essence, presents each one of us with the full weight of responsibility. Each of us must choose what we are to be, for we are nothing but what we make of ourselves. In so choosing, however, we are not choosing merely for ourselves. To choose to be something, Sartre claims, is to affirm that thing as valuable, not just for oneself but for all people. Thus, each of our choices commits us to "an image of man as we think he ought to be." To acknowledge this is to be in a state of anguish, for we naturally feel unqualified to impose our own ideals on others. Nonetheless, we have no choice - this is a consequence of our freedom, and we are "condemned to be free." Existentialism, Sartre concludes, is a philosophy that provides no excuses. Each of us is wholly responsible for who we are, and for choosing the standards by which we will guide our lives. If we fail to make something of ourselves, we have no one to blame but ourselves.
-By despair, Sartre means:

A) we shall confine ourselves only with what depends upon our will.
B) we shall confine ourselves only with what depends upon our reason.
C) we shall confine ourselves only with what depends upon our emotions.
D) we shall confine ourselves only with what depends upon our appetite.

Question 9

Jean-Paul Sartre: Existentialism Is a Humanism
Sartre defines existentialism as the view that "existence precedes essence." To explain this definition, Sartre considers the example of manufactured objects, such as books or paper cutters. Such objects are produced in accordance with a preexisting plan, which specifies their nature and their intended use. In this sense, their essence precedes their existence. Human beings, Sartre contends, are different from such objects in a critical way. In Sartre's view, there is no human nature because there is no God to conceive of it. Instead, humans find themselves existing with no predetermined purpose or essential nature. As a consequence, we must invent ourselves in the absence of any objective standards to legitimate our decisions.
That we find ourselves in the world without a predetermined essence, presents each one of us with the full weight of responsibility. Each of us must choose what we are to be, for we are nothing but what we make of ourselves. In so choosing, however, we are not choosing merely for ourselves. To choose to be something, Sartre claims, is to affirm that thing as valuable, not just for oneself but for all people. Thus, each of our choices commits us to "an image of man as we think he ought to be." To acknowledge this is to be in a state of anguish, for we naturally feel unqualified to impose our own ideals on others. Nonetheless, we have no choice - this is a consequence of our freedom, and we are "condemned to be free." Existentialism, Sartre concludes, is a philosophy that provides no excuses. Each of us is wholly responsible for who we are, and for choosing the standards by which we will guide our lives. If we fail to make something of ourselves, we have no one to blame but ourselves.
-What all existentialists have in common, according to Sartre, is the view that:

A) God does not exist, and so everything is permitted.
B) all humans share a common nature.
C) existence precedes essence.
D) essence precedes existence.

Question 10

Jean-Paul Sartre: Existentialism Is a Humanism
Sartre defines existentialism as the view that "existence precedes essence." To explain this definition, Sartre considers the example of manufactured objects, such as books or paper cutters. Such objects are produced in accordance with a preexisting plan, which specifies their nature and their intended use. In this sense, their essence precedes their existence. Human beings, Sartre contends, are different from such objects in a critical way. In Sartre's view, there is no human nature because there is no God to conceive of it. Instead, humans find themselves existing with no predetermined purpose or essential nature. As a consequence, we must invent ourselves in the absence of any objective standards to legitimate our decisions.
That we find ourselves in the world without a predetermined essence, presents each one of us with the full weight of responsibility. Each of us must choose what we are to be, for we are nothing but what we make of ourselves. In so choosing, however, we are not choosing merely for ourselves. To choose to be something, Sartre claims, is to affirm that thing as valuable, not just for oneself but for all people. Thus, each of our choices commits us to "an image of man as we think he ought to be." To acknowledge this is to be in a state of anguish, for we naturally feel unqualified to impose our own ideals on others. Nonetheless, we have no choice - this is a consequence of our freedom, and we are "condemned to be free." Existentialism, Sartre concludes, is a philosophy that provides no excuses. Each of us is wholly responsible for who we are, and for choosing the standards by which we will guide our lives. If we fail to make something of ourselves, we have no one to blame but ourselves.
-Sartre claims that if existentialism is correct, then:

A) determinism is true.
B) human beings by nature live for pleasure.
C) man is responsible for what he is.
D) man is not responsible for what he is.

Question 11

Jean-Paul Sartre: Existentialism Is a Humanism
Sartre defines existentialism as the view that "existence precedes essence." To explain this definition, Sartre considers the example of manufactured objects, such as books or paper cutters. Such objects are produced in accordance with a preexisting plan, which specifies their nature and their intended use. In this sense, their essence precedes their existence. Human beings, Sartre contends, are different from such objects in a critical way. In Sartre's view, there is no human nature because there is no God to conceive of it. Instead, humans find themselves existing with no predetermined purpose or essential nature. As a consequence, we must invent ourselves in the absence of any objective standards to legitimate our decisions.
That we find ourselves in the world without a predetermined essence, presents each one of us with the full weight of responsibility. Each of us must choose what we are to be, for we are nothing but what we make of ourselves. In so choosing, however, we are not choosing merely for ourselves. To choose to be something, Sartre claims, is to affirm that thing as valuable, not just for oneself but for all people. Thus, each of our choices commits us to "an image of man as we think he ought to be." To acknowledge this is to be in a state of anguish, for we naturally feel unqualified to impose our own ideals on others. Nonetheless, we have no choice - this is a consequence of our freedom, and we are "condemned to be free." Existentialism, Sartre concludes, is a philosophy that provides no excuses. Each of us is wholly responsible for who we are, and for choosing the standards by which we will guide our lives. If we fail to make something of ourselves, we have no one to blame but ourselves.
-In Sartre's view, when one chooses how to live one is choosing:

A) only for oneself.
B) for all of one's family.
C) for all of one's friends.
D) for all people.

Question 12

Jean-Paul Sartre: Existentialism Is a Humanism
Sartre defines existentialism as the view that "existence precedes essence." To explain this definition, Sartre considers the example of manufactured objects, such as books or paper cutters. Such objects are produced in accordance with a preexisting plan, which specifies their nature and their intended use. In this sense, their essence precedes their existence. Human beings, Sartre contends, are different from such objects in a critical way. In Sartre's view, there is no human nature because there is no God to conceive of it. Instead, humans find themselves existing with no predetermined purpose or essential nature. As a consequence, we must invent ourselves in the absence of any objective standards to legitimate our decisions.
That we find ourselves in the world without a predetermined essence, presents each one of us with the full weight of responsibility. Each of us must choose what we are to be, for we are nothing but what we make of ourselves. In so choosing, however, we are not choosing merely for ourselves. To choose to be something, Sartre claims, is to affirm that thing as valuable, not just for oneself but for all people. Thus, each of our choices commits us to "an image of man as we think he ought to be." To acknowledge this is to be in a state of anguish, for we naturally feel unqualified to impose our own ideals on others. Nonetheless, we have no choice - this is a consequence of our freedom, and we are "condemned to be free." Existentialism, Sartre concludes, is a philosophy that provides no excuses. Each of us is wholly responsible for who we are, and for choosing the standards by which we will guide our lives. If we fail to make something of ourselves, we have no one to blame but ourselves.
-By anguish, Sartre means:

A) grief.
B) a feeling of total and deep responsibility.
C) a feeling of having no control over one's fate.
D) a sense of uncertainty about whether one's action is objectively right.

Question 13

Jean-Paul Sartre: Existentialism Is a Humanism
Sartre defines existentialism as the view that "existence precedes essence." To explain this definition, Sartre considers the example of manufactured objects, such as books or paper cutters. Such objects are produced in accordance with a preexisting plan, which specifies their nature and their intended use. In this sense, their essence precedes their existence. Human beings, Sartre contends, are different from such objects in a critical way. In Sartre's view, there is no human nature because there is no God to conceive of it. Instead, humans find themselves existing with no predetermined purpose or essential nature. As a consequence, we must invent ourselves in the absence of any objective standards to legitimate our decisions.
That we find ourselves in the world without a predetermined essence, presents each one of us with the full weight of responsibility. Each of us must choose what we are to be, for we are nothing but what we make of ourselves. In so choosing, however, we are not choosing merely for ourselves. To choose to be something, Sartre claims, is to affirm that thing as valuable, not just for oneself but for all people. Thus, each of our choices commits us to "an image of man as we think he ought to be." To acknowledge this is to be in a state of anguish, for we naturally feel unqualified to impose our own ideals on others. Nonetheless, we have no choice - this is a consequence of our freedom, and we are "condemned to be free." Existentialism, Sartre concludes, is a philosophy that provides no excuses. Each of us is wholly responsible for who we are, and for choosing the standards by which we will guide our lives. If we fail to make something of ourselves, we have no one to blame but ourselves.
-Sartre claims that when he speaks of forlornness, he means that:

A) God does not exist and we must face all the consequences of this.
B) we can never truly know another human being.
C) we are not responsible for our passions.
D) all of the above.

Question 14

Jean-Paul Sartre: Existentialism Is a Humanism
Sartre defines existentialism as the view that "existence precedes essence." To explain this definition, Sartre considers the example of manufactured objects, such as books or paper cutters. Such objects are produced in accordance with a preexisting plan, which specifies their nature and their intended use. In this sense, their essence precedes their existence. Human beings, Sartre contends, are different from such objects in a critical way. In Sartre's view, there is no human nature because there is no God to conceive of it. Instead, humans find themselves existing with no predetermined purpose or essential nature. As a consequence, we must invent ourselves in the absence of any objective standards to legitimate our decisions.
That we find ourselves in the world without a predetermined essence, presents each one of us with the full weight of responsibility. Each of us must choose what we are to be, for we are nothing but what we make of ourselves. In so choosing, however, we are not choosing merely for ourselves. To choose to be something, Sartre claims, is to affirm that thing as valuable, not just for oneself but for all people. Thus, each of our choices commits us to "an image of man as we think he ought to be." To acknowledge this is to be in a state of anguish, for we naturally feel unqualified to impose our own ideals on others. Nonetheless, we have no choice - this is a consequence of our freedom, and we are "condemned to be free." Existentialism, Sartre concludes, is a philosophy that provides no excuses. Each of us is wholly responsible for who we are, and for choosing the standards by which we will guide our lives. If we fail to make something of ourselves, we have no one to blame but ourselves.
-According to Sartre, we are condemned because:

A) we did not create ourselves.
B) we all will die.
C) we all have sinned.
D) we are born evil.

Question 15

Jean-Paul Sartre: Existentialism Is a Humanism
Sartre defines existentialism as the view that "existence precedes essence." To explain this definition, Sartre considers the example of manufactured objects, such as books or paper cutters. Such objects are produced in accordance with a preexisting plan, which specifies their nature and their intended use. In this sense, their essence precedes their existence. Human beings, Sartre contends, are different from such objects in a critical way. In Sartre's view, there is no human nature because there is no God to conceive of it. Instead, humans find themselves existing with no predetermined purpose or essential nature. As a consequence, we must invent ourselves in the absence of any objective standards to legitimate our decisions.
That we find ourselves in the world without a predetermined essence, presents each one of us with the full weight of responsibility. Each of us must choose what we are to be, for we are nothing but what we make of ourselves. In so choosing, however, we are not choosing merely for ourselves. To choose to be something, Sartre claims, is to affirm that thing as valuable, not just for oneself but for all people. Thus, each of our choices commits us to "an image of man as we think he ought to be." To acknowledge this is to be in a state of anguish, for we naturally feel unqualified to impose our own ideals on others. Nonetheless, we have no choice - this is a consequence of our freedom, and we are "condemned to be free." Existentialism, Sartre concludes, is a philosophy that provides no excuses. Each of us is wholly responsible for who we are, and for choosing the standards by which we will guide our lives. If we fail to make something of ourselves, we have no one to blame but ourselves.
-According to Sartre, the existentialist finds the fact that God does not exist:

A) liberating.
B) clarifying.
C) distressing.
D) unimportant.

Question 16

Jean-Paul Sartre: Existentialism Is a Humanism
Sartre defines existentialism as the view that "existence precedes essence." To explain this definition, Sartre considers the example of manufactured objects, such as books or paper cutters. Such objects are produced in accordance with a preexisting plan, which specifies their nature and their intended use. In this sense, their essence precedes their existence. Human beings, Sartre contends, are different from such objects in a critical way. In Sartre's view, there is no human nature because there is no God to conceive of it. Instead, humans find themselves existing with no predetermined purpose or essential nature. As a consequence, we must invent ourselves in the absence of any objective standards to legitimate our decisions.
That we find ourselves in the world without a predetermined essence, presents each one of us with the full weight of responsibility. Each of us must choose what we are to be, for we are nothing but what we make of ourselves. In so choosing, however, we are not choosing merely for ourselves. To choose to be something, Sartre claims, is to affirm that thing as valuable, not just for oneself but for all people. Thus, each of our choices commits us to "an image of man as we think he ought to be." To acknowledge this is to be in a state of anguish, for we naturally feel unqualified to impose our own ideals on others. Nonetheless, we have no choice - this is a consequence of our freedom, and we are "condemned to be free." Existentialism, Sartre concludes, is a philosophy that provides no excuses. Each of us is wholly responsible for who we are, and for choosing the standards by which we will guide our lives. If we fail to make something of ourselves, we have no one to blame but ourselves.
-Sartre claims that if existence precedes essence, then:

A) there is no determinism.
B) man is free.
C) there is no such thing as human nature.
D) all of the above.

Question 17

Jean-Paul Sartre: Existentialism Is a Humanism
Sartre defines existentialism as the view that "existence precedes essence." To explain this definition, Sartre considers the example of manufactured objects, such as books or paper cutters. Such objects are produced in accordance with a preexisting plan, which specifies their nature and their intended use. In this sense, their essence precedes their existence. Human beings, Sartre contends, are different from such objects in a critical way. In Sartre's view, there is no human nature because there is no God to conceive of it. Instead, humans find themselves existing with no predetermined purpose or essential nature. As a consequence, we must invent ourselves in the absence of any objective standards to legitimate our decisions.
That we find ourselves in the world without a predetermined essence, presents each one of us with the full weight of responsibility. Each of us must choose what we are to be, for we are nothing but what we make of ourselves. In so choosing, however, we are not choosing merely for ourselves. To choose to be something, Sartre claims, is to affirm that thing as valuable, not just for oneself but for all people. Thus, each of our choices commits us to "an image of man as we think he ought to be." To acknowledge this is to be in a state of anguish, for we naturally feel unqualified to impose our own ideals on others. Nonetheless, we have no choice - this is a consequence of our freedom, and we are "condemned to be free." Existentialism, Sartre concludes, is a philosophy that provides no excuses. Each of us is wholly responsible for who we are, and for choosing the standards by which we will guide our lives. If we fail to make something of ourselves, we have no one to blame but ourselves.
-In Sartre's view, humans are responsible for:

A) their actions.
B) their passions.
C) both a and b.
D) neither a nor b.

Question 18

Jean-Paul Sartre: Existentialism Is a Humanism
Sartre defines existentialism as the view that "existence precedes essence." To explain this definition, Sartre considers the example of manufactured objects, such as books or paper cutters. Such objects are produced in accordance with a preexisting plan, which specifies their nature and their intended use. In this sense, their essence precedes their existence. Human beings, Sartre contends, are different from such objects in a critical way. In Sartre's view, there is no human nature because there is no God to conceive of it. Instead, humans find themselves existing with no predetermined purpose or essential nature. As a consequence, we must invent ourselves in the absence of any objective standards to legitimate our decisions.
That we find ourselves in the world without a predetermined essence, presents each one of us with the full weight of responsibility. Each of us must choose what we are to be, for we are nothing but what we make of ourselves. In so choosing, however, we are not choosing merely for ourselves. To choose to be something, Sartre claims, is to affirm that thing as valuable, not just for oneself but for all people. Thus, each of our choices commits us to "an image of man as we think he ought to be." To acknowledge this is to be in a state of anguish, for we naturally feel unqualified to impose our own ideals on others. Nonetheless, we have no choice - this is a consequence of our freedom, and we are "condemned to be free." Existentialism, Sartre concludes, is a philosophy that provides no excuses. Each of us is wholly responsible for who we are, and for choosing the standards by which we will guide our lives. If we fail to make something of ourselves, we have no one to blame but ourselves.
-In the case Sartre presents, his student is torn between:

A) lying and betraying a friend.
B) helping a stranger and pursuing his own self-interest.
C) caring for his mother and going off to war.
D) existentialism and humanism.

Question 19

Jean-Paul Sartre: Existentialism Is a Humanism
Sartre defines existentialism as the view that "existence precedes essence." To explain this definition, Sartre considers the example of manufactured objects, such as books or paper cutters. Such objects are produced in accordance with a preexisting plan, which specifies their nature and their intended use. In this sense, their essence precedes their existence. Human beings, Sartre contends, are different from such objects in a critical way. In Sartre's view, there is no human nature because there is no God to conceive of it. Instead, humans find themselves existing with no predetermined purpose or essential nature. As a consequence, we must invent ourselves in the absence of any objective standards to legitimate our decisions.
That we find ourselves in the world without a predetermined essence, presents each one of us with the full weight of responsibility. Each of us must choose what we are to be, for we are nothing but what we make of ourselves. In so choosing, however, we are not choosing merely for ourselves. To choose to be something, Sartre claims, is to affirm that thing as valuable, not just for oneself but for all people. Thus, each of our choices commits us to "an image of man as we think he ought to be." To acknowledge this is to be in a state of anguish, for we naturally feel unqualified to impose our own ideals on others. Nonetheless, we have no choice - this is a consequence of our freedom, and we are "condemned to be free." Existentialism, Sartre concludes, is a philosophy that provides no excuses. Each of us is wholly responsible for who we are, and for choosing the standards by which we will guide our lives. If we fail to make something of ourselves, we have no one to blame but ourselves.
-Sartre claims that the value of one's affection is determined by:

A) the way one acts.
B) the way one feels.
C) the way one thinks.
D) all of the above.

Question 20

Jean-Paul Sartre: Existentialism Is a Humanism
Sartre defines existentialism as the view that "existence precedes essence." To explain this definition, Sartre considers the example of manufactured objects, such as books or paper cutters. Such objects are produced in accordance with a preexisting plan, which specifies their nature and their intended use. In this sense, their essence precedes their existence. Human beings, Sartre contends, are different from such objects in a critical way. In Sartre's view, there is no human nature because there is no God to conceive of it. Instead, humans find themselves existing with no predetermined purpose or essential nature. As a consequence, we must invent ourselves in the absence of any objective standards to legitimate our decisions.
That we find ourselves in the world without a predetermined essence, presents each one of us with the full weight of responsibility. Each of us must choose what we are to be, for we are nothing but what we make of ourselves. In so choosing, however, we are not choosing merely for ourselves. To choose to be something, Sartre claims, is to affirm that thing as valuable, not just for oneself but for all people. Thus, each of our choices commits us to "an image of man as we think he ought to be." To acknowledge this is to be in a state of anguish, for we naturally feel unqualified to impose our own ideals on others. Nonetheless, we have no choice - this is a consequence of our freedom, and we are "condemned to be free." Existentialism, Sartre concludes, is a philosophy that provides no excuses. Each of us is wholly responsible for who we are, and for choosing the standards by which we will guide our lives. If we fail to make something of ourselves, we have no one to blame but ourselves.
-Sartre claims that a person is nothing more than:

A) a rational animal.
B) a series of undertakings.
C) a collection of unrealized potential.
D) a cog in a machine.

Question 21

Jean-Paul Sartre: Existentialism Is a Humanism
Sartre defines existentialism as the view that "existence precedes essence." To explain this definition, Sartre considers the example of manufactured objects, such as books or paper cutters. Such objects are produced in accordance with a preexisting plan, which specifies their nature and their intended use. In this sense, their essence precedes their existence. Human beings, Sartre contends, are different from such objects in a critical way. In Sartre's view, there is no human nature because there is no God to conceive of it. Instead, humans find themselves existing with no predetermined purpose or essential nature. As a consequence, we must invent ourselves in the absence of any objective standards to legitimate our decisions.
That we find ourselves in the world without a predetermined essence, presents each one of us with the full weight of responsibility. Each of us must choose what we are to be, for we are nothing but what we make of ourselves. In so choosing, however, we are not choosing merely for ourselves. To choose to be something, Sartre claims, is to affirm that thing as valuable, not just for oneself but for all people. Thus, each of our choices commits us to "an image of man as we think he ought to be." To acknowledge this is to be in a state of anguish, for we naturally feel unqualified to impose our own ideals on others. Nonetheless, we have no choice - this is a consequence of our freedom, and we are "condemned to be free." Existentialism, Sartre concludes, is a philosophy that provides no excuses. Each of us is wholly responsible for who we are, and for choosing the standards by which we will guide our lives. If we fail to make something of ourselves, we have no one to blame but ourselves.
-Sartre claims that according to existentialism, there is no reality except in:

A) passion.
B) action.
C) contemplation.
D) appetite.

Question 22

Jean-Paul Sartre: Existentialism Is a Humanism
Sartre defines existentialism as the view that "existence precedes essence." To explain this definition, Sartre considers the example of manufactured objects, such as books or paper cutters. Such objects are produced in accordance with a preexisting plan, which specifies their nature and their intended use. In this sense, their essence precedes their existence. Human beings, Sartre contends, are different from such objects in a critical way. In Sartre's view, there is no human nature because there is no God to conceive of it. Instead, humans find themselves existing with no predetermined purpose or essential nature. As a consequence, we must invent ourselves in the absence of any objective standards to legitimate our decisions.
That we find ourselves in the world without a predetermined essence, presents each one of us with the full weight of responsibility. Each of us must choose what we are to be, for we are nothing but what we make of ourselves. In so choosing, however, we are not choosing merely for ourselves. To choose to be something, Sartre claims, is to affirm that thing as valuable, not just for oneself but for all people. Thus, each of our choices commits us to "an image of man as we think he ought to be." To acknowledge this is to be in a state of anguish, for we naturally feel unqualified to impose our own ideals on others. Nonetheless, we have no choice - this is a consequence of our freedom, and we are "condemned to be free." Existentialism, Sartre concludes, is a philosophy that provides no excuses. Each of us is wholly responsible for who we are, and for choosing the standards by which we will guide our lives. If we fail to make something of ourselves, we have no one to blame but ourselves.
-According to Sartre, the term existentialism belongs only to atheists.

Question 23

Jean-Paul Sartre: Existentialism Is a Humanism
Sartre defines existentialism as the view that "existence precedes essence." To explain this definition, Sartre considers the example of manufactured objects, such as books or paper cutters. Such objects are produced in accordance with a preexisting plan, which specifies their nature and their intended use. In this sense, their essence precedes their existence. Human beings, Sartre contends, are different from such objects in a critical way. In Sartre's view, there is no human nature because there is no God to conceive of it. Instead, humans find themselves existing with no predetermined purpose or essential nature. As a consequence, we must invent ourselves in the absence of any objective standards to legitimate our decisions.
That we find ourselves in the world without a predetermined essence, presents each one of us with the full weight of responsibility. Each of us must choose what we are to be, for we are nothing but what we make of ourselves. In so choosing, however, we are not choosing merely for ourselves. To choose to be something, Sartre claims, is to affirm that thing as valuable, not just for oneself but for all people. Thus, each of our choices commits us to "an image of man as we think he ought to be." To acknowledge this is to be in a state of anguish, for we naturally feel unqualified to impose our own ideals on others. Nonetheless, we have no choice - this is a consequence of our freedom, and we are "condemned to be free." Existentialism, Sartre concludes, is a philosophy that provides no excuses. Each of us is wholly responsible for who we are, and for choosing the standards by which we will guide our lives. If we fail to make something of ourselves, we have no one to blame but ourselves.
-Sartre claims that there is no such thing as human nature.

Question 24

Jean-Paul Sartre: Existentialism Is a Humanism
Sartre defines existentialism as the view that "existence precedes essence." To explain this definition, Sartre considers the example of manufactured objects, such as books or paper cutters. Such objects are produced in accordance with a preexisting plan, which specifies their nature and their intended use. In this sense, their essence precedes their existence. Human beings, Sartre contends, are different from such objects in a critical way. In Sartre's view, there is no human nature because there is no God to conceive of it. Instead, humans find themselves existing with no predetermined purpose or essential nature. As a consequence, we must invent ourselves in the absence of any objective standards to legitimate our decisions.
That we find ourselves in the world without a predetermined essence, presents each one of us with the full weight of responsibility. Each of us must choose what we are to be, for we are nothing but what we make of ourselves. In so choosing, however, we are not choosing merely for ourselves. To choose to be something, Sartre claims, is to affirm that thing as valuable, not just for oneself but for all people. Thus, each of our choices commits us to "an image of man as we think he ought to be." To acknowledge this is to be in a state of anguish, for we naturally feel unqualified to impose our own ideals on others. Nonetheless, we have no choice - this is a consequence of our freedom, and we are "condemned to be free." Existentialism, Sartre concludes, is a philosophy that provides no excuses. Each of us is wholly responsible for who we are, and for choosing the standards by which we will guide our lives. If we fail to make something of ourselves, we have no one to blame but ourselves.
-According to Sartre, existentialism leads to a form of quietism.

Question 25

Jean-Paul Sartre: Existentialism Is a Humanism
Sartre defines existentialism as the view that "existence precedes essence." To explain this definition, Sartre considers the example of manufactured objects, such as books or paper cutters. Such objects are produced in accordance with a preexisting plan, which specifies their nature and their intended use. In this sense, their essence precedes their existence. Human beings, Sartre contends, are different from such objects in a critical way. In Sartre's view, there is no human nature because there is no God to conceive of it. Instead, humans find themselves existing with no predetermined purpose or essential nature. As a consequence, we must invent ourselves in the absence of any objective standards to legitimate our decisions.
That we find ourselves in the world without a predetermined essence, presents each one of us with the full weight of responsibility. Each of us must choose what we are to be, for we are nothing but what we make of ourselves. In so choosing, however, we are not choosing merely for ourselves. To choose to be something, Sartre claims, is to affirm that thing as valuable, not just for oneself but for all people. Thus, each of our choices commits us to "an image of man as we think he ought to be." To acknowledge this is to be in a state of anguish, for we naturally feel unqualified to impose our own ideals on others. Nonetheless, we have no choice - this is a consequence of our freedom, and we are "condemned to be free." Existentialism, Sartre concludes, is a philosophy that provides no excuses. Each of us is wholly responsible for who we are, and for choosing the standards by which we will guide our lives. If we fail to make something of ourselves, we have no one to blame but ourselves.
-In Sartre's view, when a person chooses how to act, he is choosing only for himself and no one else.

Question 26

Jean-Paul Sartre: Existentialism Is a Humanism
Sartre defines existentialism as the view that "existence precedes essence." To explain this definition, Sartre considers the example of manufactured objects, such as books or paper cutters. Such objects are produced in accordance with a preexisting plan, which specifies their nature and their intended use. In this sense, their essence precedes their existence. Human beings, Sartre contends, are different from such objects in a critical way. In Sartre's view, there is no human nature because there is no God to conceive of it. Instead, humans find themselves existing with no predetermined purpose or essential nature. As a consequence, we must invent ourselves in the absence of any objective standards to legitimate our decisions.
That we find ourselves in the world without a predetermined essence, presents each one of us with the full weight of responsibility. Each of us must choose what we are to be, for we are nothing but what we make of ourselves. In so choosing, however, we are not choosing merely for ourselves. To choose to be something, Sartre claims, is to affirm that thing as valuable, not just for oneself but for all people. Thus, each of our choices commits us to "an image of man as we think he ought to be." To acknowledge this is to be in a state of anguish, for we naturally feel unqualified to impose our own ideals on others. Nonetheless, we have no choice - this is a consequence of our freedom, and we are "condemned to be free." Existentialism, Sartre concludes, is a philosophy that provides no excuses. Each of us is wholly responsible for who we are, and for choosing the standards by which we will guide our lives. If we fail to make something of ourselves, we have no one to blame but ourselves.
-Sartre claims that the biblical figure Abraham provides an illustration of forlornness.

Question 27

Jean-Paul Sartre: Existentialism Is a Humanism
Sartre defines existentialism as the view that "existence precedes essence." To explain this definition, Sartre considers the example of manufactured objects, such as books or paper cutters. Such objects are produced in accordance with a preexisting plan, which specifies their nature and their intended use. In this sense, their essence precedes their existence. Human beings, Sartre contends, are different from such objects in a critical way. In Sartre's view, there is no human nature because there is no God to conceive of it. Instead, humans find themselves existing with no predetermined purpose or essential nature. As a consequence, we must invent ourselves in the absence of any objective standards to legitimate our decisions.
That we find ourselves in the world without a predetermined essence, presents each one of us with the full weight of responsibility. Each of us must choose what we are to be, for we are nothing but what we make of ourselves. In so choosing, however, we are not choosing merely for ourselves. To choose to be something, Sartre claims, is to affirm that thing as valuable, not just for oneself but for all people. Thus, each of our choices commits us to "an image of man as we think he ought to be." To acknowledge this is to be in a state of anguish, for we naturally feel unqualified to impose our own ideals on others. Nonetheless, we have no choice - this is a consequence of our freedom, and we are "condemned to be free." Existentialism, Sartre concludes, is a philosophy that provides no excuses. Each of us is wholly responsible for who we are, and for choosing the standards by which we will guide our lives. If we fail to make something of ourselves, we have no one to blame but ourselves.
-Sartre claims that everything is permissible if God does not exist.

Question 28

Jean-Paul Sartre: Existentialism Is a Humanism
Sartre defines existentialism as the view that "existence precedes essence." To explain this definition, Sartre considers the example of manufactured objects, such as books or paper cutters. Such objects are produced in accordance with a preexisting plan, which specifies their nature and their intended use. In this sense, their essence precedes their existence. Human beings, Sartre contends, are different from such objects in a critical way. In Sartre's view, there is no human nature because there is no God to conceive of it. Instead, humans find themselves existing with no predetermined purpose or essential nature. As a consequence, we must invent ourselves in the absence of any objective standards to legitimate our decisions.
That we find ourselves in the world without a predetermined essence, presents each one of us with the full weight of responsibility. Each of us must choose what we are to be, for we are nothing but what we make of ourselves. In so choosing, however, we are not choosing merely for ourselves. To choose to be something, Sartre claims, is to affirm that thing as valuable, not just for oneself but for all people. Thus, each of our choices commits us to "an image of man as we think he ought to be." To acknowledge this is to be in a state of anguish, for we naturally feel unqualified to impose our own ideals on others. Nonetheless, we have no choice - this is a consequence of our freedom, and we are "condemned to be free." Existentialism, Sartre concludes, is a philosophy that provides no excuses. Each of us is wholly responsible for who we are, and for choosing the standards by which we will guide our lives. If we fail to make something of ourselves, we have no one to blame but ourselves.
-When asked to give ethical guidance to his student, Sartre simply claimed, "You're free, choose, that is, invent."

Question 29

Jean-Paul Sartre: Existentialism Is a Humanism
Sartre defines existentialism as the view that "existence precedes essence." To explain this definition, Sartre considers the example of manufactured objects, such as books or paper cutters. Such objects are produced in accordance with a preexisting plan, which specifies their nature and their intended use. In this sense, their essence precedes their existence. Human beings, Sartre contends, are different from such objects in a critical way. In Sartre's view, there is no human nature because there is no God to conceive of it. Instead, humans find themselves existing with no predetermined purpose or essential nature. As a consequence, we must invent ourselves in the absence of any objective standards to legitimate our decisions.
That we find ourselves in the world without a predetermined essence, presents each one of us with the full weight of responsibility. Each of us must choose what we are to be, for we are nothing but what we make of ourselves. In so choosing, however, we are not choosing merely for ourselves. To choose to be something, Sartre claims, is to affirm that thing as valuable, not just for oneself but for all people. Thus, each of our choices commits us to "an image of man as we think he ought to be." To acknowledge this is to be in a state of anguish, for we naturally feel unqualified to impose our own ideals on others. Nonetheless, we have no choice - this is a consequence of our freedom, and we are "condemned to be free." Existentialism, Sartre concludes, is a philosophy that provides no excuses. Each of us is wholly responsible for who we are, and for choosing the standards by which we will guide our lives. If we fail to make something of ourselves, we have no one to blame but ourselves.
-Sartre claims that people are responsible for their passions.

Question 30

Jean-Paul Sartre: Existentialism Is a Humanism
Sartre defines existentialism as the view that "existence precedes essence." To explain this definition, Sartre considers the example of manufactured objects, such as books or paper cutters. Such objects are produced in accordance with a preexisting plan, which specifies their nature and their intended use. In this sense, their essence precedes their existence. Human beings, Sartre contends, are different from such objects in a critical way. In Sartre's view, there is no human nature because there is no God to conceive of it. Instead, humans find themselves existing with no predetermined purpose or essential nature. As a consequence, we must invent ourselves in the absence of any objective standards to legitimate our decisions.
That we find ourselves in the world without a predetermined essence, presents each one of us with the full weight of responsibility. Each of us must choose what we are to be, for we are nothing but what we make of ourselves. In so choosing, however, we are not choosing merely for ourselves. To choose to be something, Sartre claims, is to affirm that thing as valuable, not just for oneself but for all people. Thus, each of our choices commits us to "an image of man as we think he ought to be." To acknowledge this is to be in a state of anguish, for we naturally feel unqualified to impose our own ideals on others. Nonetheless, we have no choice - this is a consequence of our freedom, and we are "condemned to be free." Existentialism, Sartre concludes, is a philosophy that provides no excuses. Each of us is wholly responsible for who we are, and for choosing the standards by which we will guide our lives. If we fail to make something of ourselves, we have no one to blame but ourselves.
-In Sartre's view, the fact that God does not exist is cause for celebration.

Question 31

Jean-Paul Sartre: Existentialism Is a Humanism
Sartre defines existentialism as the view that "existence precedes essence." To explain this definition, Sartre considers the example of manufactured objects, such as books or paper cutters. Such objects are produced in accordance with a preexisting plan, which specifies their nature and their intended use. In this sense, their essence precedes their existence. Human beings, Sartre contends, are different from such objects in a critical way. In Sartre's view, there is no human nature because there is no God to conceive of it. Instead, humans find themselves existing with no predetermined purpose or essential nature. As a consequence, we must invent ourselves in the absence of any objective standards to legitimate our decisions.
That we find ourselves in the world without a predetermined essence, presents each one of us with the full weight of responsibility. Each of us must choose what we are to be, for we are nothing but what we make of ourselves. In so choosing, however, we are not choosing merely for ourselves. To choose to be something, Sartre claims, is to affirm that thing as valuable, not just for oneself but for all people. Thus, each of our choices commits us to "an image of man as we think he ought to be." To acknowledge this is to be in a state of anguish, for we naturally feel unqualified to impose our own ideals on others. Nonetheless, we have no choice - this is a consequence of our freedom, and we are "condemned to be free." Existentialism, Sartre concludes, is a philosophy that provides no excuses. Each of us is wholly responsible for who we are, and for choosing the standards by which we will guide our lives. If we fail to make something of ourselves, we have no one to blame but ourselves.
-Sartre claims that we have some obligations that are knowable a priori.