What did Sartre mean by his claim that "existence precedes essence"?
A) Humans are born with essential qualities, which are modified by experiences with the world.
B) Humans have evolved adaptations that are immutable in the face of experience; this is their essence.
C) Humans are born with a strong preference for existence; this is their essence.
D) Humans are not born with essential qualities; rather, those qualities develop as they experience the world.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Sartre's claim that "existence precedes essence" means that human beings are not born with essential qualities, but rather develop these qualities as they experience the world. In other words, human beings do not have a predetermined nature or essence, but instead create their own identities through their choices and actions. According to Sartre, existence and freedom are closely intertwined, as human beings must create their own essence through their choices and actions in order to truly be free.

What Did Sartre Mean by His Claim That "Existence Precedes