Jean Paul Sartre's Philosophy Of Existentialism

In so far as it is characterized by the repudiation of all theories concerned with a single code of ethics and values, and that existence itself belongs entirely to individual experience, Existentialism lent the 20th century (and onward) a philosophical movement restoring a certain faith—in both humanity and the existence of a purpose to life. Likely the movement’s most renowned proponent, Jean Paul Sartre aptly encapsulated the philosophy of Existentialism as, “existence precedes essence”; a thing is first thrown into being, and its nature is subsequently established—a contradictory belief to former, more traditional views of ontology. Existentialism asserts that this initial “throw” into existence is where a thing’s reality begins, and that it is the sole responsibility of said thing to determine its nature, or “essence”. There are no inherent truths, or predetermined ethical codes, and through one’s actions may beliefs be defined. There may or may not be a God, but how—and …show more content…
Sartre, after living through two of the largest tragedies this world has ever seen, developed a humanistic approach toward life. I, after 27 years, have led a romantically solitary life across 4 separate cities along the western coast of the United States—forever in search of the next adventure. Hypothetically, if I felt my way of life “universalizable”—that humanity ought to live for themselves, and make a journey of life while they can (hurting no one along the way, of course)—would he find my ways to be the GOOD? Had Sartre had a different upbringing, would he have still developed such ardent humanistic tendencies? That is a question outside the scope of this essay. In conclusion, I feel Sartre’s Existentialism tackles the question of existence most pragmatically, but whether he’s correct I cannot