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Read the article by Jean Paul Sartre, Existentialism is a Humanism.

After reading Existentialism is a Humanism and watching the lecture, formulate a thesis about the text that addresses one of the major ethical themes, such as the idea that human beings are entirely free, existence precedes essence, or bad faith.

Explore one of the themes in Sartre's Existentialism is a Humanism, then compare Sartre to Kant, the Buddha, and Plato.

Draw three conclusions supported by the arguments made in your paper.

The paper should not just summarize Sartre's text but demonstrate a unique engagement, including a comparison with Kant, the Buddha, and Plato.

The length should be 3-4 pages, Times New Roman, double-spaced, 12-point font. Only include the title in the paper; do not include personal identification details or course info.

Paper For Above instruction

Jean-Paul Sartre’s "Existentialism is a Humanism" presents a profound exploration of human freedom, responsibility, and individuality through an existentialist lens. Central to Sartre's philosophy is the assertion that "existence precedes essence," implying that humans are not born with a predefined nature but instead forge their essence through choices and actions. This philosophy emphasizes radical freedom, which grants individuals the power—and responsibility—to define their essence amid life's contingencies. In examining this theme, I argue that Sartre posits that human beings are entirely free, which entails both great responsibility and the potential for anguish, since individuals must continuously create meaning in an inherently meaningless universe.

One of the most salient ethical themes in Sartre’s work is the idea that human beings are completely free to choose their actions and define their essence. Sartre emphasizes that, in a universe devoid of predetermined moral structures, individuals must actively decide their values and purposes without reliance on external authorities. This absolute freedom underscores the importance of authentic choice and living in accordance with one's true self. Sartre's concept of bad faith—self-deception to deny this freedom—serves as an ethical failing, illustrating how individuals often evade responsibility through societal roles, habits, or authoritative pressures.

To contextualize Sartre’s existentialist ethics, it is instructive to compare his views with those of Immanuel Kant, the Buddha, and Plato—each representing divergent philosophical approaches to human nature and morality.

Kant’s moral philosophy centers on the concept of duty guided by reason and the categorical imperative, implying that morality is rooted in universal principles accessible to rational agents. Unlike Sartre’s emphasis on individual freedom, Kant advocates for moral laws that are inherently binding, regardless of personal inclinations. While Sartre asserts that individuals must create their own values, Kant insists that moral duty is grounded in universal rules that transcend subjective choice.

The Buddha’s teachings, rooted in Buddhism, emphasize the importance of mindfulness, compassion, and the cessation of suffering through enlightened understanding. Contrary to Sartre’s focus on radical freedom and individual responsibility, Buddhism advocates for transcending the ego and recognizing interconnectedness with all beings. The Buddha encourages ethical conduct based on compassion and the liberation from craving, aligning less with Sartre’s emphasis on personal responsibility and more with acceptance of reality’s impermanence.

Plato, with his theory of Forms and innate knowledge, posits that human beings possess an innate rational soul that seeks knowledge and truth. Unlike Sartre's view that existence precedes essence, Plato believes that humans have an inherent nature or purpose—an essence—that guides moral and philosophical development. For Plato, casting off ignorance involves aligning oneself with the eternal Forms and discovering one’s true nature.

From these comparisons, several conclusions emerge. First, Sartre’s assertion of radical freedom places ethical responsibility squarely on individuals, which can foster authentic living but also risk moral relativism or nihilism if not balanced by virtue. Second, Kant’s universal moral laws provide an objective standard that can complement Sartre’s subjective freedom by ensuring consistency and moral duty. Third, integrating Buddhist compassion and mindfulness urges a recognition of interconnectedness that tempers individualistic freedom with ethical humility and empathy. Together, these philosophies collectively underscore the importance of balancing personal responsibility with universal moral considerations and compassionate awareness to foster ethical living.

References

• Sartre, J.-P. (2007). Existentialism is a Humanism. Retrieved from https://www.marxists.org/reference/archive/sartre/works/existential.htm
• Kant, I. (1993). Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals. Hackett Publishing.
• Buddha. (2005). The Dhammapada. (E. Hardy, Ed. & Trans.). Penguin Classics.
• Plato. (1997). The Republic. (G. M. A. Grube, Trans.). Hackett Publishing.
• Shaffer, J. (2010). Kant's Moral Philosophy. Cambridge University Press.
• Harvey, P. (2013). An Introduction to Buddhism. Cambridge University Press.
• Annas, J. (1993). Autonomy and Community. In J. Raz (Ed.), The Practice of Moral Philosophy. Princeton University Press.
• Nussbaum, M. C. (2001). Upheavals of Thought: The Intelligence of Emotions. Cambridge University Press.
• Cambridge, B. (2017). Existentialism and Ethics. Routledge.
• Ferry, L. (2013). The Unfolding of Philosophy. HarperOne.