Running head: EXISTENTIALISM 1

Analysis Paper on Existentialism

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 Introduction

The 20th century experienced a profound influence on intellectual, cultural and social

life with the advent of existentialism, a complex philosophical movement. It originated as an

answer to the predominant philosophical movements that stressed rationality, logic and

objective truth during that time. Existentialists opposed these ideologies because a feeling of

futility, irrationality and unease marks human existence 1. A fundamental principle upheld by

this theory is that any particular nature or essence does not innately characterize individuals.

The nature or essence of objects in the world is fixed, whereas human beings are shaped by

their existence and choices. The idea that embodies this concept is attributed to Jean-Paul

Sartre's quote, "Existence precedes essence."

This paper aims to examine the historical backdrop and importance of this quotation.

Firstly, I will give a general account of the intellectual environment in the 1900s, along with

the emergence of existentialism as a counteraction to mainstream philosophical ideologies. I

will then analyze the definition behind "existence precedes essence" and its relevance to

existentialist concepts. Lastly, criticisms directed towards such a quote will be evaluated

alongside its current value in contemporary times.

Historical Context

To comprehend the historical background of "existence comes before essence," it is

necessary to examine the intellectual atmosphere prevailing during that era. The 20th century

was characterized by substantial political and social unrest, including two global wars, the

emergence of totalitarianism, and the Cold War 2. These occurrences greatly influenced

1
Sartre, Jean-Paul. Existentialism is a Humanism. Yale University Press, 2007.

2
Visker, Rudi. "Was existentialism truly a humanism?." Sartre Studies International

13, no. 1 (2007): 3-15.

philosophy and brought forth a fresh way of thinking emphasizing individuality, liberty, and

existentialism. The advent of existentialism was a reaction to prevalent philosophical schools

such as positivism, empiricism, and rationalism that prioritized logical thinking, reason and

objective veracity. However, these doctrines were deficient in addressing the individualistic

aspect of human experience. According to existentialists, human existence is marked by

apprehension, vagueness, and doubt, while factual truth remains elusive.

Overview of the intellectual climate of the 20th century and its impact on philosophy

Philosophy underwent a substantial alteration due to the tremendous political and

social transformations during the 20th century. The occurrence of two world wars,

totalitarianism's emergence, and the commencement of the Cold War evoked a pathetic aura

characterized by trepidation regarding what lies ahead3. The consequence was skepticism

toward conventional perspectives on society, human nature, and life's purpose. The

fundamental principles upheld by these movements were primarily focused on logic,

empirical evidence and the search for impartial veracity. Positivism highlighted that scientific

observation and experimentation could lead to acquiring all knowledge. This worldview

substantially influenced society and political theories, where empirical data was deemed vital

in comprehending human actions.

These ideologies were unsuccessful as they did not consider the personal and

individual aspects of human experience. The two global conflicts showed us that rationalism

has limits and that finding objective truth is difficult in a world full of chaos and violence.

Existentialism arose in reaction to these constraints and prioritized the significance of

3
Burston, Daniel. "Existentialism, humanism and psychotherapy." Existential Analysis

14, no. 2 (2003): 309-319.

personal encounters, autonomy, and decision-making4. In the 20th century, additional

philosophical movements arose in the intellectual atmosphere. Phenomenology,

hermeneutics, and critical theory emphasize interpreting human experience through language

and culture. These movements contested the notion of absolute truth and gave value to

historical and cultural contexts to shape our comprehension of reality.

Discussion of the dominant philosophical movements of the time and their

limitations

Positivism, empiricism, and rationalism were the primary philosophical trends of the

20th century. They highlighted logical reasoning and objective reality but failed to

acknowledge how human experience could be subjective.

The philosophy of science known as Positivism contended that scientific observation

and experimentation were sufficient means to acquire all knowledge. This belief stressed the

significance of empirical data in comprehending the world while dismissing metaphysical

speculation5. Nevertheless, it had shortcomings in explaining subjective experience and

intricate human behavior since it focused only on factual information, relegating

interpretation and meaning to a lower position. As a result, critiques arose over its inability to

account for these crucial aspects of human life.

On the contrary, Empiricism underscored the significance of acquiring knowledge

through sensory experience. It maintained that all perception originated from our senses and

emphasized that deductive reasoning and logic aided in arranging and comprehending this

experience. It had certain restrictions in its ability to explain intricate human experiences and

4
Macomber, Carol. "Existentialism is a Humanism." (2007).

5
Flynn, Thomas R. Sartre, Foucault, and Historical Reason, Volume One: Toward an

Existentialist Theory of History. Vol. 1. University of Chicago Press, 2008.

the limitations of sensory data. People criticized empiricism for deeming knowledge as a

collection of sense perceptions while disregarding interpretation and implication's worth.

The philosophy of Rationalism placed great emphasis on reason and logic as the

primary methods for gaining knowledge. According to this view, all knowledge originates

from reason, with sensory experiences merely serving as raw data for reasoning to organize

and interpret6. Rationalism had certain limitations in its ability to explain the intricacies of

human experience and recognize that reasoning has its restrictions. It was criticized for

oversimplifying knowledge into mere logical deductions while disregarding the significance

of subjective experiences and interpretations.

The emergence of existentialism as a response to these limitations

The 20th century's major philosophical schools, such as positivism, empiricism and

rationalism, were insufficient to address the limitations of human experience as per

existentialists. These individuals believed that these aforementioned movements didn't

acknowledge the intricate nature of human behavior or subjective experience. Instead, they

stressed personal liberty, individualistic decision-making and subjective encounters 7.

Existentialism came into being following two world wars with their significant influence on

intellectual and cultural spheres. The conventional outlook on human nature, society, and

life's purpose was tested by the encounter with war. This brought about a feeling of unease

and doubt regarding what lies ahead, prompting a review of established philosophical

paradigms.

6
Siame, Mukundwe. "The Robotic Man by Habit: An Existential Analysis of Albert

Camus’ The Misunderstanding." Journal of Law and Social Sciences 3, no. 1 (2020):

93-100.

7
Jean-Paul, Sartre. "Existentialism is a Humanism." (1996).
 The philosophy of existentialism gave prominence to the significance of personal

experience in comprehending human conduct. It posited that individuals are not mere

subjects for examination and observation but rather intricate and distinct persons with their

subjective encounters. The supporters of this philosophy refused to accept the concept of

objective reality and underlined the value of interpretation, significance, and setting in

molding our perception of reality8. They further stressed the relevance of individual liberty

and decision-making power. The argument was that individuals do not have a set nature or

inherent quality and are responsible for generating their significance and direction in life.

This focus on personal liberty and decision-making contradicted conventional ideas regarding

the influence of society and culture on shaping human conduct.

A brief biography of Jean-Paul Sartre and his influences

Jean-Paul Sartre, a famous French philosopher and writer, was born in Paris in 1905.

His remarkable contributions to existentialism gained him great recognition at the time. One

concept he popularized is "existence precedes essence." Sartre drew inspiration from various

philosophers, such as Friedrich Nietzsche and Martin Heidegger, alongside Karl Marx to

develop his ideas. Of these influences, Heidegger's thoughts on Being and Time significantly

affected Sartre's emphasis on authentic subjective experiences 9. Sartre's philosophy was also

impacted by Nietzsche's notions regarding the significance of individualism and the will to

power, along with Marx's emphasis on how social and political situations shape human

behavior.

His encounter with World War II significantly shaped Sartre's thinking. As a member

of the French Resistance, he was seized and held captive by the Germans in 1940. This event

reinforced his conviction in individual autonomy and denunciation of authoritarianism and

8
Moon, Shane Phoenix. "The Search for Meaning and Morality in the Works of

Cormac McCarthy." (2015).

9
Jean-Paul, Sartre. "Existentialism is a Humanism." (1996).
totalitarianism. In addition to his philosophical writings, Sartre produced numerous plays and

novels, with "Nausea," "No Exit," and "Being and Nothingness" among his most celebrated

works.

"Existence Precedes Essence," Explained

Existentialist philosophy, which primarily reflects in the works of Jean-Paul Sartre,

underscores the concept that "existence precedes essence." This notion emphasizes how

humans do not have an innately predetermined nature or essence but are shaped by their

existence and decision-making10. To grasp the idea behind this quote effectively, comparing

human beings with other physical objects worldwide is essential. Unlike humans, most

physical entities possess a fixed nature or essence that regulates their function and behavior

patterns. An excellent example would be a chair designed solely for sitting purposes with

specific forms and functions regulated by its inherent nature.

On the contrary, humans don't possess any ingrained essence or objective. A

predetermined destination or inherent traits don't govern the actions we're born with. It's our

very existence and decisions that shape us as individuals. We can forge our significance and

objectives in life, unbound by external factors such as intrinsic characteristics or nature 11. The

strong emphasis on personal autonomy and decision-making contradict conventional

philosophical ideas regarding the innate nature of humanity. It proposes that individuals are

not passive recipients of analysis but actively construct their identities and shape their lives.

This concept of existence coming before essence holds significant ethical implications. There

can be no absolute moral standards if humans lack a predetermined purpose or identity.

10
Moon, Shane Phoenix. "The Search for Meaning and Morality in the Works of

Cormac McCarthy." (2015).

11
Burston, Daniel. "Existentialism, humanism and psychotherapy." Existential

Analysis 14, no. 2 (2003): 309-319.

People must build their moral code based on their values and judgment instead of pre-

established principles.

Significance

The essence of Sartre's philosophy is encapsulated in the quote, "Existence precedes

essence," which holds great significance. According to Sartre, while objects possess a pre-

determined nature or essence, humans lack any predetermined purpose or essential nature.

Our being and decisions define us, as per Sartre 12. He believed that humans possess

consciousness and liberty, enabling them to establish their goals and significance. The

trajectory of our lives is not set in stone based on any inherent traits we possess from birth.

TSartre's doctrine of existentialism had a major influence on cultural and intellectual

life during the 20th century, infiltrating numerous fields such as art, psychology, politics, and

literature. The impact of this philosophical school extended to many eminent writers and

artists, such as Albert Camus, Franz Kafka, and Samuel Beckett. Furthermore, existentialist

doctrines triggered significant changes in social and political movements 13. The civil rights

movement and feminism were among the many social justice movements influenced by the

existentialists' stress on individual freedom and choice. By providing a philosophical

foundation for individuals to have complete control over their lives and choices,

existentialism championed the belief in peoples’ entitlements to establish their fate.

Existentialism had an impact on the evolution of humanistic psychology in

psychology. Humanistic psychology highlights the significance of personal experience and

seeking purpose in life. Unlike traditional psychological theories emphasizing objective

12
Warnock, Mary. Existentialist ethics. Macmillan Education UK, 1974.

13
Sartre, Jean-Paul, and Philip Mairet. Existentialism and humanism. London:

Methuen, 1960.
measurements and behaviorism, this strategy presented a challenge. Politics and social justice

movements were significantly influenced by existentialism. Traditional notions of power and

authority were challenged by emphasizing individual freedom and choice, affecting

movements such as feminism and civil rights. These movements emphasized rejecting

oppressive social structures in favor of individual rights.

In modern philosophical conversations, the idea of "existence precedes essence"

remains significant due to its ability to question long-held assumptions about human nature

and how society influences the actions of individuals. The concept of personal freedom and

decision-making is still a crucial topic, particularly regarding ethics, character, and equity 14.

Emphasizing the significance of individual agency and subjective experience in shaping

human behavior, the refusal of preconceived ideas of nature or essence downplays traditional

philosophical beliefs regarding objective standards of right and wrong. This has profound

implications for ongoing discussions on identity and self, accentuating individual freedom

and choice in forming one's purpose and identity. Rejecting predetermined nature or essence

prompts ethical reflection and decision-making while underscoring personal accountability.

Criticisms

Critics have pointed out that existentialism, including the famous quote "existence

precedes essence," has faced its fair share of criticisms. One primary critique is that

existentialism can be too focused on the individual and neglects to consider the social aspect

of human existence15. Detractors claim that by prioritizing personal freedom and choice,

existentialism fails to recognize how cultural norms and social structures shape an

14
Thompson, Neil. Existentialism and social work. Routledge, 2017.

15
Cox, Gary. The Sartre Dictionary. Vol. 1. A&C Black, 2008.
individual's behavior. They argue that these external factors significantly limit one's ability to

exercise free will.

Another objection is that the quotation suggests humans have no inherent significance

or objective. Opponents claim that denying a predetermined nature or essence could result in

a feeling of purposelessness and hopelessness. They posit that people require direction and

purpose to enjoy satisfactory lives. A few critics suggest that focusing on individual

autonomy and choice can foster moral relativism, where there are no absolute standards for

right or wrong, which may enable individuals to harm others without acknowledging moral

accountability.

Existentialists address the critiques regarding their emphasis on individual liberty and

decision-making by asserting that it does not undermine the significance of social

circumstances or ethical obligations16. They contend that people are accountable for their

choices irrespective of societal and cultural factors, which do not dictate human conduct.

Additionally, rejecting pre-determined nature or essence doesn't equate to a lack of

fundamental worth or objective. These thinkers suggest that humans possess the autonomy to

craft their meaning and direction in life as informed by unique personal experiences and

decisions.

Conclusion

The quote "existence precedes essence" is a primary focus of existential philosophy

and highlights the significance of personal freedom and determination in shaping one's

identity and goals. This idea contrasts conventional views regarding predetermined nature or

characteristics, favoring subjective encounters17. Existentialism emerged due to the restricting

16
Sartre, Jean-Paul, and Philip Mairet. Existentialism and humanism. London:

Methuen, 1960.

17
Aho, Kevin. Existentialism: an introduction. John Wiley & Sons, 2014.
philosophical trends prevalent during the 20th century, specifically positivism, empiricism,

and rationalism. Its effects spanned numerous fields, such as literature, artistry, psychology,

and politics, while inspiring movements supporting social justice and challenging oppressive

societal orders.

Critiques of existentialism relate to its emphasis on individualism and rejection of

objective standards for morality. Some argue that cultural influences significantly guide

human behavior and that individuals require direction and purpose to achieve satisfaction. In

response, proponents of existentialism refute this by emphasizing the importance of personal

responsibility without negating social context or moral obligation. Ultimately, human

behavior is not solely determined by external factors but rather shaped by deliberate choices

made by individuals.

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Aho, Kevin. Existentialism: an introduction. John Wiley & Sons, 2014.

Burston, Daniel. "Existentialism, humanism and psychotherapy." Existential Analysis 14, no.

2 (2003): 309-319.

Cox, Gary. The Sartre Dictionary. Vol. 1. A&C Black, 2008.

Flynn, Thomas R. Sartre, Foucault, and Historical Reason, Volume One: Toward an

Existentialist Theory of History. Vol. 1. University of Chicago Press, 2008.

Jean-Paul, Sartre. "Existentialism is a Humanism." (1996).

Macomber, Carol. "Existentialism is a Humanism." (2007).

Moon, Shane Phoenix. "The Search for Meaning and Morality in the Works of Cormac

McCarthy." (2015).

Sartre, Jean-Paul, and Philip Mairet. Existentialism and humanism. London: Methuen, 1960.

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

Siame, Mukundwe. "The Robotic Man by Habit: An Existential Analysis of Albert Camus’

The Misunderstanding." Journal of Law and Social Sciences 3, no. 1 (2020): 93-100.

Thompson, Neil. Existentialism and social work. Routledge, 2017.

Visker, Rudi. "Was existentialism truly a humanism?." Sartre Studies International 13, no. 1

(2007): 3-15.

Warnock, Mary. Existentialist ethics. Macmillan Education UK, 1974.