Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Existentialism, a prominent 20th-century philosophical movement, fundamentally challenges traditional metaphysics. Unlike classical philosophies that posit a pre-defined human nature or ‘essence’ determining existence, existentialists argue that humans are born into existence without inherent purpose. This is encapsulated in the famous slogan “existence precedes essence.” This implies that individuals first exist, and then through their choices and actions, they define their own meaning and create their own essence. This radical freedom, however, is not without its burdens, forming the core of existentialist thought and its implications for human responsibility.
Understanding “Existence Precedes Essence”
Traditionally, philosophy often assumed a pre-existing ‘essence’ – a set of characteristics defining what it means to be human – that dictated our existence. For example, Plato’s Theory of Forms suggests ideal archetypes exist before their earthly manifestations. Aristotle believed in a ‘telos’ or inherent purpose. Existentialism rejects this. Jean-Paul Sartre, a key figure, argued that ‘man is nothing else but what he makes of himself.’
Human Existence and Freedom
For existentialists, the lack of a pre-defined essence means humans are ‘condemned to be free.’ This freedom isn’t a joyous liberation but a source of profound anguish. Because there are no external rules or values to guide us, we are entirely responsible for our choices and their consequences. This responsibility is absolute; we cannot blame God, society, or our genes for our actions.
Sartre’s Concept of Bad Faith
Sartre introduced the concept of ‘bad faith’ (mauvaise foi) to describe the attempt to evade this responsibility. This involves deceiving oneself into believing one is determined by external factors, thereby denying one’s freedom. For example, a waiter who over-identifies with his role, acting as a caricature of a waiter, is engaging in bad faith, denying his capacity for choice and self-definition.
De Beauvoir and Existential Feminism
Simone de Beauvoir extended existentialist principles to feminist thought. In The Second Sex (1949), she argued that ‘one is not born, but rather becomes, a woman.’ This means that femininity is not a biological destiny but a social construct imposed upon women, limiting their freedom and preventing them from fully realizing their potential. Women, like men, must actively create their own essence through their choices.
The Implications of Freedom: Anguish and Abandonment
- Anguish (angoisse): The awareness of our absolute freedom and responsibility.
- Abandonment (délaissement): The realization that there is no God or objective moral authority to guide us.
- Despair (désespoir): Acknowledging that we can only rely on what is within our power to change.
Authenticity as a Response
Existentialists advocate for ‘authenticity’ – living in accordance with one’s own freely chosen values and taking full responsibility for one’s actions. This requires confronting the anguish and abandonment inherent in human existence and embracing the freedom to create one’s own meaning. Authenticity is not a state to be achieved but a continuous process of self-creation.
Conclusion
In essence, the existentialist slogan “existence precedes essence” signifies a radical shift in philosophical thought, placing the onus of meaning-making squarely on the individual. Human freedom, while liberating, is also a source of profound responsibility and anguish. By acknowledging this freedom and striving for authenticity, individuals can overcome the inherent absurdity of existence and create a meaningful life, even in the absence of pre-ordained purpose. This emphasis on individual agency continues to resonate in contemporary ethical and political debates.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.