The Fundamental Principles, Arguments, and Implications of Existentialism in the Light of Sartre

Abstract

This article first examines the historical and philosophical elements that prepared the ground for the emergence of existentialism. The individualization and search for freedom brought about by the modern era, along with the resulting social disappointments, confronted human beings with experiences of alienation and meaninglessness. In this context, the contributions of Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, Jaspers, Heidegger, and other existentialist thinkers are presented as a historical background, thereby clarifying Sartre’s distinctive position within this tradition. The second part discusses the common assumptions of existentialism, focusing particularly on the critiques directed against metaphysical ontology, determinism, and universal moral laws. The third part analyzes Sartre’s unique approach to existentialism in light of the criticisms directed at him, and through the concepts of freedom, nothingness, consciousness, and project. At this point, Sartre’s principle that “existence precedes essence” is placed at the center, and the aspects of his conception of freedom that necessarily lead the human being toward responsibility and action are examined. The aim of the article is to challenge the frequently asserted interpretation of Sartrean existentialism as a doctrine of despair and passivity, and instead to reinterpret his philosophy on the basis of freedom, responsibility, and action, presenting it as a philosophy of humanism and hope.