Read The Assigned Reading From The Chapter And Then Choose O ✓ Solved
Read The Assigned Reading From The Chapter Thenchoose Oneof The Quest
Read the assigned reading from the chapter. Then choose ONE of the questions below to answer. Answer the question you chose in a response that is a minimum of 2 paragraphs. Be sure to explain your answers and give reasons for your views. You should cite the textbook and use brief quotations and summaries from the textbook in your response.
Do NOT use any other sources besides the textbook. Is Sartre exaggerating the extent to which people can define themselves when he says "existence precedes essence"? Are people wholly responsible for the kind of persons they become? What do you make of Hospers' psychoanalytic view that our actions are beyond our control due to our unconscious mind? Which seems more likely to you: that your path in life is determined before you were born, or that you are born and then you determine how your life will go?
Why? Is there a middle ground on this issue? What is your reaction to Sartre's perspective on freedom? Do you find his view liberating and inspiring, or do you think it is disheartening and forlorn? be simple.
Sample Paper For Above instruction
Introduction
Sartre’s famous statement "existence precedes essence" suggests that humans are not born with a predetermined nature or purpose. Instead, people create their own identities through their choices and actions. This idea raises questions about responsibility, freedom, and the extent to which our lives are determined by factors beyond our control. In this essay, I will discuss whether Sartre's view is exaggerated and explore the tension between free will and determinism, including perspectives like Hospers’ psychoanalytic view.
Does Sartre Exaggerate Human Freedom?
Sartre’s claim that "existence precedes essence" emphasizes that individuals are free to define themselves. However, some argue this might be an exaggeration because external factors like culture, genetics, and social circumstances heavily influence us. While people can make choices, their options are often limited or shaped by circumstances beyond their control. For example, a person raised in poverty might have fewer opportunities to pursue certain goals, which constrains their freedom. Therefore, Sartre’s view may overlook the extent to which external determinants influence our capacities to choose.
Are People Fully Responsible for Their Identity?
Considering Sartre’s perspective, people bear significant responsibility for who they become. Since they create their essence through choices, they are accountable for the kind of persons they turn into. However, Hospers’ psychoanalytic view complicates this. He suggests that unconscious drives and past experiences shape actions beyond conscious awareness, indicating that individuals might not entirely control their decisions. If our subconscious influences our behavior decisively, then full responsibility becomes questionable, blurring the line between free will and determinism.
Determinism vs. Free Will and Middle Ground
Regarding whether life is determined before birth or shaped afterward, I believe a middle ground exists. It is likely that genetic and environmental factors set initial conditions, but individuals still have the capacity to make choices that influence their future. Personal responsibility and agency operate within these constraints. Sartre’s view of radical freedom is inspiring but may be overly idealistic. Recognizing the limits imposed by circumstances does not negate responsibility but suggests a nuanced understanding of human freedom.
Reaction to Sartre’s Perspective
Sartre’s perspective on ultimate freedom can be both liberating and challenging. It is liberating because it empowers individuals to shape their lives through their choices. However, it can also be disheartening because not everyone has equal opportunities, and existential freedom may be an unachievable ideal for many. Overall, I find Sartre’s view inspiring as it encourages personal responsibility but acknowledge the real constraints faced by individuals.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Sartre’s idea of freedom underscores personal responsibility and the power of choice, but it may overlook external influences that limit or shape our decisions. A balanced understanding recognizes both the capacity to choose and the external circumstances that influence us. This perspective fosters a hopeful yet realistic approach to human existence.
References
- Sartre, J.-P. (2007). Being and Nothingness. (H. E. Barnes, Trans.). Routledge.
- Hospers, J. (2005). An Introduction to Philosophical Analysis. Routledge.
- Nagel, T. (1979). Mortal Questions. Cambridge University Press.
- Frankfurt, H. G. (1988). The Importance of What We Care About.
- Dennett, D. (2003). Freedom Evolves. Viking.
- Taylor, C. (1989). Sources of the Self. Harvard University Press.
- Kelly, J. (2008). The Role of Consciousness in Free Will. Philosophical Studies.
- Leibniz, G. W. (1996). The Monadology. Indianapolis: Hackett Publishing.
- Watson, G. (2004). Manufacturing Morality. Cambridge University Press.
- Williams, B. (1973). Moral Luck. Cambridge University Press.