What is Existentialism? | Jean Paul Sartre Existentialism is a Humanism

For those looking to start reading non-fiction existentialist philosophy, Jean-Paul Sartre’s lecture, “Existentialism is a Humanism,” is a great place to start. In this short and accessible text, Sartre outlines some of the basic principles of existentialism while defending it against accusations of “quietism and despair.”

One prominent principle of existentialism is that existence precedes essence. Some philosophies and many religions ascribe an essence to a human being with a specific purpose in mind. This is similar to a manufacturer determining the purpose of a hammer before creating that hammer. For humans, however, Sartre believes that there is no essence that precedes the existence of humans. Humans are thrown into this world without an essence and create their essence through the great responsibility of choice.

Another point of the essay is to clarify that existentialism posits that humans not only choose for themselves but choose for others through that choice. This clarification defends against the critiques of quietism laid against this philosophy.
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[@Over-Boy42]

This lecture is so magnificent that it is both a good introduction and still worth studying on a advanced level.

[@doorbella1357]

This was one of the best philosophy vids I've seen so far. Keep going!

[@Stephen88553]

Hey dude it's my first video I watched on this channel, just wanted to say your content is really great and informative your channel will blow up in the algorithim one day.Keep up the great content :]

[@PhilosophyToons]

Thank you, appreciate it!

[@gazrater1820]

A good book and worth the hour or two in my humble opinion even if Sartre isn’t your favourite existentialist. Great work Paul, thank you.

[@PhilosophyToons]

Definitely a valuable book for those new to existentialism.

[@jthewei]

relatable beginning

[@philosophemes]

Thanks for putting this together! Heidegger's Letter on Humanism is, of course, a response to Sartre. Heidegger thought Sartre's "existentialism" was not very good. My What Is Existentialism? book explains what I think is still salvageable from Sartre. Cheers!

[@olv4703]

Great as always!

[@PhilosophyToons]

Thank you!

[@sonicrevic4928]

I really enjoy your videos. Your channel should be way bigger.

[@PhilosophyToons]

Thank you, appreciate the compliment

[@franciscocorrea5052]

Will read it Paul, promise. :)

[@realjamiegardiner]

Loving the new graphics 👌

[@PhilosophyToons]

Thank you Jamie!

[@PhilPhysics]

There is a readers guide by Joseph Catalano for Being and Nothingness that really explains Sartre's calculus in a clear way.

[@PhilPhysics]

Also see Nietzsche, Genealogy, Second Essay, RE: 6:45.

[@PhilosophyToons]

Thanks, I'll check it out if I ever decide to tackle that behemoth

[@PhilPhysics]

@@PhilosophyToons to be specific, sections 1-4ish talks of this "responsibility" you spoke of.

[@maxlancaster6685]

love the videos, I'm curious though. Do you use subliminal messages in your videos

[@PhilPhysics]

Bahahahaha lolololol awesome that THAT text worked. XD

[@lobomarin5459]

I've bought existencial is a humanism so many times but I always end up giving it away

[@PhilosophyToons]

Should be online for free I think

[@lobomarin5459]

@@PhilosophyToons oh it is bro, still want my hard copy tho lol

[@gookimomor2460]

at what point does the video start to explain existentialism ? I got tired of waiting at 2:07

[@Jacob-yb3hz]

"Less than 40 pages" *puts a symbol of greater than 40 pages* What

[@PhilosophyToons]

Lol that's my error

[@lobomarin5459]

First lol

[@jayyyen]

Tandoori Chicken

[@Kryt0n2X4B]

8min and first 2 have nothing to do with the book. extremely annoying

[@ArthurIAHamm]

Go watch his video of perspectivism