Existence precedes essence

Definition

The phrase 'existence precedes essence' is a fundamental principle in existentialist philosophy, primarily associated with Jean-Paul Sartre. It suggests that individuals are born without any predetermined purpose or nature, and it is through their actions and choices that they create their own identity and meaning. This concept challenges traditional views that essence, or an individual's purpose, comes before existence.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Sartre argued that humans are 'condemned to be free,' meaning that with freedom comes the responsibility of shaping one's own essence through choices.
2. Existentialists believe that the absence of a predefined essence leads to feelings of angst and absurdity, reflecting the struggle to find meaning in an indifferent universe.
3. This idea is often explored in literature, where characters face dilemmas that force them to confront their freedom and the consequences of their choices.
4. Existence precedes essence underscores the importance of personal agency and the belief that individuals are responsible for creating their own values and beliefs.
5. The rejection of essentialism in this philosophy has influenced various art movements and literary styles, emphasizing subjective experience over objective reality.

Review Questions

• How does the idea that existence precedes essence challenge traditional views on identity?
  • The concept challenges traditional views by asserting that individuals are not born with a fixed identity or purpose but instead create their essence through choices and actions. This contrasts with essentialist beliefs that propose a predetermined nature that defines a person from birth. By emphasizing personal responsibility and the active role of individuals in defining themselves, existentialism promotes a more dynamic understanding of identity.
• Discuss how existentialist literature reflects the principle of existence preceding essence through its characters and themes.
  • Existentialist literature often features characters who grapple with their freedom and face existential crises. These characters must confront their lack of inherent meaning in life, making choices that define who they are. For instance, works like Sartre's 'Nausea' illustrate this struggle as protagonists confront absurdity and search for authenticity, ultimately shaping their essence through their experiences and decisions.
• Evaluate the impact of the concept of existence preceding essence on modern philosophical thought and literature.
  • The idea of existence preceding essence has profoundly influenced modern philosophical thought by challenging established norms around identity and meaning. It encourages a focus on individual experience and subjective reality, leading to diverse interpretations across various disciplines. In literature, this concept has inspired writers to explore themes of alienation, freedom, and authenticity, creating narratives that reflect the complexities of human existence in an often chaotic world.

Related terms

Existentialism: A philosophical movement that emphasizes individual existence, freedom, and choice, positing that people define their own meaning in life.

Absurdism:

A philosophy closely related to existentialism that highlights the conflict between humans' desire for meaning and the indifferent universe, often illustrated through the works of Albert Camus.

Authenticity: The quality of being true to oneself and one’s values, a key theme in existentialist thought as individuals strive to live genuinely in a world without inherent meaning.