Can you explain Sartre's vision of freedom?

Sartre's idea is that we are "condemned to be free", which can sound bizarre since this sentence is an oxymoron. As human beings, we are entirely free to do whatever we want. This can lead to a certain fear of this amount of freedom, as we know there can be consequences; and therefore we do not accept it. Thus, we hide behind religion (Sartre is an atheist), morale, etc. As an example: I am at the top of a hill, and I know I am free to jump. However, I do not want to, as it will lead to death or injuries. And so I am scared of the freedom that I have. This is also why Sartre rejected the idea of Freud's subconscious, as it would make us lose some of our freedom. Indeed, the subconscious cannot lead one's decisions (as Freud admits), and if we act like it does, we are in "bad faith", or hypocritical.

Answered by Sofiane K. Philosophy tutor

1433 Views

See similar Philosophy A Level tutors

Related Philosophy A Level answers

All answers ▸

Explain how Edmund Gettier revised the tripartite theory of knowledge.


What is Kants kategorical imperative?


What is the difference between moral realism and moral cognitivism?


What is Plato trying to teach with his allegory of the cave?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2024

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy