What does Sartre mean when he says “existence precedes essence”? Do you think this is a correct characterization of the human condition? Why or why not?
Do you agree that if “God does not exist, everything is permitted?” Why or why not?
In what sense is existentialism empowering, and in what sense is it burdensome, or even terrifying? Do you see yourself as an existentialist? Why or why not?
Sample Solution
Jean-Paul Sartre’s famous phrase “existence precedes essence” is a succinct statement of the existentialist belief that existence comes before definition and purpose. This means that as humans, we exist in the world first, and it is only after we have lived our lives that we can determine who we are or what our essential being is. This idea rejects traditional religious notions of predestination or divinely determined essences for all living creatures because for Sartre, existence truly does come before essence.
Sample Solution
Jean-Paul Sartre’s famous phrase “existence precedes essence” is a succinct statement of the existentialist belief that existence comes before definition and purpose. This means that as humans, we exist in the world first, and it is only after we have lived our lives that we can determine who we are or what our essential being is. This idea rejects traditional religious notions of predestination or divinely determined essences for all living creatures because for Sartre, existence truly does come before essence.