Jean-Paul Sartre’s life is as fascinating and multifaceted as his philosophical works. Born in 1905, Sartre is known not only for his contributions to existential philosophy but also for his works in literature, politics, and psychology. This chapter, written by Gary Cox, provides a comprehensive overview of Sartre’s life and intellectual journey, emphasizing the influence of his experiences on his thought.
Sartre’s early academic career, particularly his time at the prestigious École Normale Supérieure in Paris, laid the foundation for his future works. During this period, he became acquainted with phenomenology, primarily through the works of Edmund Husserl. This exposure was crucial for his philosophical development, eventually leading to his own interpretations and expansions of phenomenological thought.
One of Sartre’s major philosophical breakthroughs came with the publication of Being and Nothingness (1943), a work that solidified his reputation as a leading existentialist. In this text, Sartre explores the nature of human freedom, consciousness, and the complexities of self-deception, famously coining the concept of "bad faith" (mauvaise foi). Sartre argues that humans are "condemned to be free" — burdened with the responsibility of making choices in a world devoid of inherent meaning.
Sartre was not content with purely academic philosophy; his works extended into literature, where he explored philosophical ideas through novels, plays, and essays. His novel Nausea (1938), for example, delves into the alienation and absurdity of existence, while his play No Exit (1944) explores themes of freedom and self-inflicted psychological torment. These works contributed to his wide appeal, bridging the gap between philosophy and the general public.
Politically, Sartre was deeply engaged with the issues of his time. He was an outspoken critic of colonialism and supported Marxist causes, although his relationship with Marxism was complex and often critical. Sartre’s political engagement, especially during the post-war period, further enhanced his reputation as an "engaged intellectual." He believed that intellectuals had a duty to involve themselves in the political struggles of their time, a belief that led him to take controversial stances, including his refusal to accept the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1964.
Sartre’s influence was not confined to philosophy and politics; he also made significant contributions to psychology. His concept of existential psychoanalysis sought to understand individuals based on their fundamental choices and the projects they pursue in life. This approach differed from Freudian psychoanalysis by focusing on freedom and individual responsibility rather than unconscious drives.