1. What does Jean-Paul Sartre mean by the slogan, “existence precedes essence”?
a. Explain what he means by “existence” and “essence,” and what it means for one of these to precede the other.
b. What would it be like if essence preceded existence in humans?
c. Why does Sartre think that existence precedes essence in humans, rather than essence preceding existence?
d. What consequences might Sartre’s view have for a person who is trying to decide how to live?
2. Explain what “transcendence” and “facticity” mean for Simone de Beauvoir.
a. What does Beauvoir mean when she says, “I never create anything for the other except points of departure”?
b. Why does Beauvoir think we must distinguish between freedom and power?
c. Finally, why does Beauvoir think that I should care about empowering others?
0 comments