How does Sartre look at the problem of freedom of choice and determinism? Explain.

Sartre’s Conception of Freedom

For Sartre, freedom is not merely the absence of external constraints, but a fundamental condition of human existence. He argues that even when faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles, we are always free to choose our attitude towards them. This is because consciousness, for Sartre, is inherently ‘nothingness’ – a gap between ourselves and the world, allowing us to distance ourselves from our circumstances and make choices. This freedom is not a joyous liberation, but a source of profound anguish, as it implies complete responsibility for our actions and their consequences.

Determinism and Facticity

Sartre vehemently rejects all forms of determinism, whether it be biological, psychological, or social. He acknowledges, however, the existence of ‘facticity’ – the concrete details of our existence that we did not choose, such as our birth, our past, and our physical limitations. Facticity represents the ‘given’ of our situation, the things we cannot change. However, Sartre argues that facticity does not negate our freedom; rather, it provides the context within which we exercise our freedom. We are ‘condemned to be free’ even within the boundaries of our facticity.

The Relationship Between Freedom and Responsibility

Sartre’s concept of freedom is inextricably linked to responsibility. Because we are free to choose, we are fully responsible for our choices and their consequences. There is no appeal to a higher power, a pre-ordained destiny, or a fixed human nature to excuse our actions. This radical responsibility can be overwhelming, leading individuals to attempt to escape it through what Sartre calls ‘bad faith’.

Bad Faith: An Attempt to Deny Freedom

‘Bad faith’ is a form of self-deception where individuals attempt to deny their own freedom and responsibility by pretending to be determined by external factors. This can manifest in several ways:

• Denial of Facticity: Ignoring the limitations imposed by our circumstances and pretending we are completely unbound.
• Identification with a Role: Defining ourselves solely by our social roles (e.g., ‘I am a waiter,’ ‘I am a doctor’) and acting as if these roles dictate our behavior.
• Blaming External Factors: Attributing our actions to circumstances beyond our control, thereby avoiding responsibility.

Sartre uses the example of a waiter who overplays the role of a waiter – adopting a stereotypical manner and attitude – as an illustration of bad faith. The waiter is attempting to convince himself (and others) that he *is* simply a waiter, rather than a free individual who *chooses* to be a waiter.

Sartre’s Response to the Problem of Choice

Sartre doesn’t offer a solution to the anguish of freedom, but rather encourages us to embrace it. He believes that authentic existence requires acknowledging our freedom and taking full responsibility for our choices. This involves recognizing that there are no pre-existing values or moral codes to guide us; we must create our own values through our actions. The act of choosing itself is what defines us, and it is through our choices that we create our own essence.

Illustrative Example: The Student and the Career Choice

Consider a student deciding on a career path. A deterministic view might suggest that their aptitude, family background, or societal expectations determine their choice. Sartre would argue that while these factors are part of their facticity, the student is still free to choose how to respond to them. They can choose to pursue a career that aligns with their aptitudes, or they can defy expectations and pursue something entirely different. The responsibility for this choice, and its consequences, rests solely with the student.