Introduction: Condemned to be Free
My reading of J.P. Sartre’s article “Condemned to be Free” has served three objectives. The first is that my confusion about the term existentialism has been dispelled after reading this. The second is that I have encountered several other topics that he has explained thoroughly, with nothingness or “nada” being one of them. This concept serves as the very foundation of Sartre’s entire body of work. Despite the numerous explanations and details presented by other writers of his caliber about existentialism, Sartre’s work has successfully aided in helping others comprehend this complex phenomenon. The cornerstone of his entire body of work is encapsulated in his popular statement: “Man is condemned to be free.”
Being and Nothingness and Condemned to be Free
His popular work incorporated in this article was “Being and Nothingness,” and the striking quote he wrote is “Existentialism is Humanism.” If taken seriously, both of these concepts have profound repercussions for us as human beings. Further, deep reading made me aware of several other aspects of our existence that Sartre explained in detail. These include determinism, free will, the reality of moral values, the idea of God, and our relationships with both God and each other. Sartre debated on two major points. The first is “existence precedes essence,” in which he categorized his theme into two aspects: the first being “being-in-itself,” and the second being “being-for-itself.” “Man is condemned to be free” is the second major theme that he successfully and meticulously explained.
Existentialism and Condemned to be Free
Sartre maintained that the philosophy of existentialism is intricately connected to our lives, encompassing both positive and negative connotations. Taken in a negative light, existentialism can be viewed as a reaction against harmony and organized thoughts, challenging systems, order, systematic thinking, and classical schools of thought, including Aristotelianism, Thomism, as well as aspects of religion, literature, and politics. On the positive side, existentialism could be interpreted as embracing freedom, a life lived through abstract ideas, a rejection of dogmas, and a strong emphasis on individualism.
Consciousness and Condemned to be Free
It is also noteworthy that Sartre’s use of consciousness implies self-reflective awareness rather than simple awareness. The foundation of his philosophy, asserting that only self-conscious human beings can be free, is rooted in his explanation of non-conscious objects and self-conscious subjects. He not only explains that human beings are free but also emphasizes that they are free at every moment they choose to exercise their free will, stating that they are “condemned to be free.” He adds that they are “condemned to be free” because, in this context, there are not two options; they cannot refrain from exercising their free will. They are only free, and that is all. The only non-freedom act is that they are not free to perform the act of not being thrown into this world by chance. After that, a person has full freedom over their actions.
Conclusion: Condemned to be Free
Building upon my understanding of this philosophy, I delved deeper into Sartre’s other concepts, particularly freedom and nothingness. According to Sartre, freedom resides in imagination, and without it, one cannot claim to be truly free. Imagination not only distinguishes us from animals but also gives us a sense of conscience. Through imagination, we can transcend the world of materialism and explore various possibilities. Based on this, Sartre asserts that “a man is what he makes of himself.” We construct and deconstruct, create and destroy based on our imagination.
However, Sartre acknowledges that there are limitations to exercising free will in certain aspects of our lives, such as family, culture, birth, and religion. Turning to the concept of nothingness, Sartre denies the presence of any natural law or a fixed concept of human nature. He contends that the mind is empty, and the heart is nothing. Connecting freedom and nothingness, Sartre explains why man is “condemned to be free.” This exploration further deepens the understanding of Sartre’s existentialist philosophy.
Works Cited: Condemned to be Free
- Sartre, Jean-Paul. “Condemned to be free.” Journey into Philosophy. Routledge, 2016. 394-405.
Relevant Questions about Condemned to be Free
- How does Jean-Paul Sartre’s idea of being “condemned to be free” challenge traditional notions of fate and determinism, and what implications does it have for individual responsibility and agency?
- In what ways does the concept of being “condemned to be free” contribute to Sartre’s existentialist philosophy, and how does it shape his views on human existence, choice, and authenticity?
- How can the idea of being “condemned to be free” be applied to contemporary discussions about autonomy, decision-making, and the societal expectations placed on individuals in various cultural and social contexts?
