Essay Example on Jean-Paul Sartre: The Best Philosopher of His Time and Beyond

Jean-Paul Sartre was one of the best philosophers to have ever lived because of his philosophical insights on freedom and existentialism. His work has earned him a place in the list of the most influential Western philosophers of his time and beyond. One of the most famous quotes by Jean-Paul state that, "Being is. Being id in-itself. Being is what it is." (Satre). The theories on existentialism and freedom that he brought up and argued so well are the reason for his influence. He began exploring about liberty and free will after he left prison. Therefore, he had experienced life outside prison and in prison. His experience was enough for him to explore the meaning of freedom. The philosophy of Existentialism greatly influenced Albert Camus who was a French-Algerian author and philosopher.

Is your time best spent reading someone else’s essay? Get a 100% original essay FROM A CERTIFIED WRITER!

Save 25%

Jean-Paul clearly explains that there is the agony of freedom because an individual is responsible for their actions and choices, "Man is condemned to be free; because once thrown into the world, he is responsible for everything he does." (Satre) Therefore, there are consequences for all the choices made. According to Jean Paul's theory of existentialism, people have to become self-aware and make choices that define them, "Existence precedes essence." (Satre). People could become whatever they want to be without restrictions. The burden of making choices designates an individual and suggests how a human being should come out of the anguish that comes with freedom.

Researchers have indicated that Albert did try to separate himself from the existential topic but Jean-Paul is associated with influencing Jean Paul's ideology on the same and other philosophical theories along the same line. In the early 20th century, Jean-Paul Sartre faced a deep sense of rational anxiety (Webber). During this period, religion had proven to be insufficient to solve the problems that were affecting the world. During the same period, the world was going through a series of worldwide wars that were mainly political. At the same time, the world was making great scientific and technological strides and discoveries that had either its effect on society. Such influences included increased individualistic philosophy which referred to as existentialism. Besides, in Albert's political legacy, he ensured that he opposed totalitarianism. There was the emergence of socialism after World War II. However, Albert was able to analyze the positive and adverse effects of socialism.

As expected, existentialism and freedom were some of the main topics that took center stage during this period, and therefore, many philosophers - including people like Jean-Paul who had chosen not to get involved in the matter - provided their insight on the same. Albert Camus and Jean-Paul were some of the few authors who sort to explore the concept of existential cynicism. This concept indicated that life had no intrinsic value or meaning drawn from philosophical nihilism that suggests that nothing in the world has a real existence. However, the order in which the two authors gave their thoughtful insights is evidence that one Albert Camus obtained great influenced by Jean-Paul Sartre's Philosophy of Existentialism. In his work, Sartre indicates that "existence precedes essence." Camus would later build on this concept as he gave his philosophical insights on existentialism.

The book 'The Existentialism of Jean-Paul Satre' by Webber explains how human beings are to exist. There is a difference between the lives of animals and that of human beings. There is a description of events of the life of a human being (Webber). Predictably, an individual will die eventually. However, the decisions made during the life of one person differentiates it from another's. Therefore, with an account of the life of humans, there is the division of the considerations for clear elaboration.

The central structure of human beings is essential because they define the way life is and how choices come to be. Therefore, there is the elaboration of how the options which explain existentialism come to be. "It aims to elaborate on the central structures of our lives, around which all the things that we do are built." (Webber). There is intelligence in existentialism that comes out according to the modern culture. The behaviors of an individual lead to the adaptation of a particular way of living or existing (Satre). The concept of existential cynicism explains how life lacks meaning and intrinsic value. However, the fundamental motivations and choices of life make some meaning out of life. Therefore, people get to define their lives and obtain purpose and meaning (Langle).

Conclusion

In conclusion, the stories and philosophies of Camus and Jean-Paul explain the concept of freedom and existentialism. There is a clear explanation of the agony of freedom and the effects of the choices made in day to day activities. Camus was able to execute some of his philosophies in politics, where he freely expressed and shared his thoughts and opinions. Thus, Camus talked out of his experiences and lessons. Besides, Jean-Paul had been to prison and he could create an elaborate picture of both situations; when in prison and after his release. Camus explains how it is absurd that the individual has to live for a certain period and then die. Therefore, existence, modern culture, and intelligence make a considerable difference in the kind of life one chooses to live. Every individual has the power to shape and define their lives when they make the right decisions.

Works Cited

Langle, Alfried. "The search for meaning in life and the fundamental existential motivations." International Journal of Existential Psychology and Psychotherapy 1.1 (2007).

Sartre, Jean-Paul. Existentialism is a Humanism. Yale University Press, 2007.

Webber, Jonathan. The Existentialism of Jean-Paul Sartre. Routledge, 2009.