Jean-Paul Sartre

Jean-Paul Sartre

Jean-Paul Sartre (1905-1980) was a French philosopher, playwright, novelist, political activist, biographer, and literary critic. He is one of the key figures in the philosophy of existentialism and phenomenology. Sartre's existentialism posits that existence precedes essence, meaning that a human being exists first before they define their purpose or nature. This leads to the concept of absolute freedom and the inherent responsibility of individuals to make choices without the guidance of universal moral values. His most famous philosophical work is "Being and Nothingness," and in literature, his novel "Nausea" and the play "No Exit" encapsulate his existentialist themes, such as the absurdity of life, the concept of "bad faith," and the inescapable nature of freedom and responsibility.