The Philosophy of Jean-Paul Sartre – Existential Freedom, Consciousness, and Human Responsibility | The Library of Living Philosophers | Volume XVI, 1981 | Review, Analysis & Summary

The Philosophy of Jean-Paul Sartre, edited by Paul Arthur Schilpp, constitutes Volume XVI in the notable Library of Living Philosophers series, released in 1981. This compilation provides a unique and thorough exploration of the concepts put forth by Jean-Paul Sartre (1905–1980)—a monumental figure within existentialist philosophy, literature, and political discourse.
This book conveys Sartre’s philosophical perspectives in his own language, complemented by critiques from esteemed philosophers and Sartre’s responses. It serves as one of the most detailed intellectual interactions with Sartre’s ideas in English, covering topics such as metaphysics, consciousness, ethics, politics, and literature.

Who Was Jean-Paul Sartre?

Jean-Paul Sartre was a French thinker, dramatist, novelist, and political campaigner, broadly acknowledged as the foremost proponent of existentialism. He gained worldwide recognition during the mid-20th century with his writings that challenged the concepts of human freedom, subjectivity, and responsibility in a world devoid of meaning or divine authority.
Among Sartre’s most significant philosophical works are:

• Being and Nothingness (1943)
• Existentialism is a Humanism (1946)
• Critique of Dialectical Reason (1960)

Essays addressing literature, politics, Marxism, and phenomenology
Additionally, he authored novels (Nausea), plays (No Exit, The Flies), and was a nominee for the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1964, which he ultimately declined.

Structure and Contents of the Volume

The LLP edition focusing on Sartre is divided into four primary sections, offering both philosophical insight and biographical detail:

1. Philosophical Autobiography

Sartre’s philosophical autobiography presents a reflective and profound account of his intellectual growth—from early influences such as Husserl and Heidegger to his departure from classical rationalism and acceptance of existential freedom. He also addresses his shift toward Marxist dialectics, involvement in politics, and the conflicts between individual freedom and historical determinism.

2. Excerpts from Sartre’s Writings

The excerpts highlight significant aspects of Sartre’s oeuvre:

• The ontology of being and nothingness
• Human consciousness as an opposing force (néantisation)
• Bad faith (mauvaise foi) and authenticity
• Freedom and accountability
• Critique of bourgeois morality and alienation
• Engagement in literature and the responsibilities of intellectuals

These selections showcase Sartre's vigorous effort to merge phenomenology, existentialism, and Marxism.

3. Critical and Interpretive Essays

This section presents detailed analyses by a diverse range of philosophers, including:

• William Barrett – examining Sartre’s existential humanism
• Ronald Aronson – exploring Sartre’s political ideology
• Marvin Farber, Hazel Barnes, Paul Ricoeur, Maurice Natanson, and more

These essays delve into:

• Sartre’s consciousness theory and its intentionality
• The metaphysical aspects of being and nothingness
• The ethical implications of existential freedom
• His political trajectory and critique of capitalist systems
• Sartre’s connections to Marxism, Freud, and Hegel

4. Sartre’s Replies to Critics

In line with the LLP tradition, Sartre addresses each critic with a blend of intellectual clarity, existential vigor, and personal reflection. His responses elucidate prevalent misunderstandings, reiterate his foundational arguments, and embody his dedication to a philosophy deeply intertwined with the human condition.

Key Themes in Sartre’s Philosophy

1. Being and Nothingness

Sartre investigates the ontological differentiation between:

• Being-in-itself (être-en-soi) – the unchanging, static existence of objects
• Being-for-itself (être-pour-soi) – the fluid, self-aware consciousness of humans
• Human consciousness is characterized by nothingness—the capacity to negate, choose, and surpass.

2. Freedom and Responsibility

Sartre’s well-known claim that people are “condemned to be free” underscores the notion that freedom cannot be escaped, and we bear continual responsibility for our choices and values—even when we seek to evade accountability through self-deception.

3. Authenticity and Bad Faith

Living authentically involves recognizing one’s complete freedom and acting with responsibility. Inauthenticity, or bad faith, emerges when individuals mislead themselves to sidestep the discomfort that accompanies freedom.

4. Existential Ethics

Despite facing accusations of moral relativism, Sartre argued that human freedom is inherently linked to morality: we define our values through our choices and are responsible not only to ourselves but also to the broader humanity.

5. Political Engagement and Marxism

In his later years, Sartre endeavored to merge existentialism with Marxism, asserting that historical materialism must consider human subjectivity, freedom, and practice. While critiquing Stalinism, he maintained political engagement throughout his lifetime.

6. The Role of Literature and the Intellectual

Sartre regarded literature as a means of liberation and awakening. In What is Literature? , he described writing as an act of involvement, where the author accepts accountability for the world and aspires to awaken readers to their own power.

Why This Volume Matters

The Philosophy of Jean-Paul Sartre is crucial for:

• Students exploring existentialism and phenomenology
• Scholars focused on contemporary French philosophy and Marxist theory
• Readers delving into concepts of freedom, ethics, and awareness
• Those investigating the intellectual’s role within politics and society

This work not only maintains Sartre’s perspective but also presents a dynamic philosophical exchange between continental and analytical thinkers, as well as between individual liberation and collective history.