Sartre’s Theory Against Placing Meaning in Human Existence

Sartre’s theory argues against placing meaning in human existence and believes it to be meaningless. Sartre believes that existence preceded essence, which means that we are born and then define ourselves over time through our own free will choices. Whoever we are, according to Sartre, is a result of the free choices that we make, and everyone is radically free. Sartre’s theory is defined as existentialism, and according to this theory, there is no meaning to life apart from what we choose to do with our free choices. Our existence can be manifested through our actions, and one’s future is in our own hands.

Unlike Sartre, I do not harbor the opinion that life is meaningless. My line of reasoning is because I feel that this theory denies absolutes and undermines ethics through its emphasis on supreme freedom at the individual level. I feel that being of the opinion that life is meaningless will promote recklessness and an anything-goes mentality which may have adverse effects. Existentialism, which Sartre propagates, is also a way in which nihilism comes into effect through the principle of rejecting moral and religious principles. In my opinion, Sartre’s theory that life is meaningless leads to people lacking ambition and purpose in their lives. It is also a way to promote destruction as attachments to things are non-existent. Absolute freedom, as envisioned in Sartre’s existentialist theory, leads to people doing wrongful acts as displays of freedom and free will. Abiding by Sartre’s principles will make people less productive by questioning norms such as work ethic which it believes may not be necessary. I, therefore, believe that there is much more to human life and life is not meaningless.

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StudyCorgi. "Sartre’s Theory Against Placing Meaning in Human Existence." June 12, 2023. https://studycorgi.com/sartres-theory-against-placing-meaning-in-human-existence/.

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StudyCorgi. 2023. "Sartre’s Theory Against Placing Meaning in Human Existence." June 12, 2023. https://studycorgi.com/sartres-theory-against-placing-meaning-in-human-existence/.

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