Freedom And Freedom In Sartre's Theory Of Freedom

Sartre believes in freedom, more specifically in the freedom human beings have to choice. We as human being have a choice in every action we take, weather that be getting up in the morning or staying in bed, and whatever other endless choices we must make throughout our days.

This is because according to Sartre l 'existence précède l 'essence (existence precedes essence.) We are not created with a purpose; we exist and must then find our essence. He explains this as such: Think of an article of manufacture, as for example a paper-knife. In order to create a paper-knife one must first have a notion of what a paper-knife is. Once the need for an instrument that neatly opens envelopes and separates pages of a book had appeared, its physical function and design could be abstracted. Thus in this example essence clearly precedes existence. First the purpose or essence and then comes its existence.

In the case of humanity, there is no preconceived purpose (essence). There is no creator, no God, no one to give us a purpose. We come into existence and each person must establish their own essence. This is done through their actions and choices. There are no expectations or rights and wrongs; there are only actions for which the actors are responsible for. Sartre would also argue that the choice itself is not what matters but rather it is taking responsibility for the outcome of those choices, whatever that may be.

Sartre then places a lot of importance on responsibility because even