Existentialism is a philosophy of ambiguity from "summary" of Being and Nothingness by Jean-Paul Sartre
Existentialism, as a philosophy, is characterized by ambiguity. This ambiguity arises from the fundamental tenet that existence precedes essence. In other words, human beings exist first and then define themselves through their actions and choices. This lack of predetermined essence means that individuals are constantly faced with the burden of creating their own meaning and values in a world that is inherently meaningless. This existential ambiguity is further compounded by the concept of freedom. Sartre argues that human beings are condemned to be free, meaning that we are ultimately responsible for our choices and the consequences that follow. This radical freedom can be overwhelming and anxiety-inducing, as it forces individuals to confront the uncertainty and unpredictability of their existence. Moreover, Sartre introduces the notion of "bad faith" as a way in which individuals attempt to escape this existential ambiguity. Bad faith involves self-deception and the refusal to acknowledge one's own freedom and responsibility. By denying their role in creating their own essence, individuals seek to avoid the anxiety and burden that comes with true freedom. However, Sartre warns that this flight from freedom ultimately leads to inauthenticity and a sense of alienation from oneself. Only by embracing the ambiguity of existence and fully accepting our freedom can we live authentically and create meaning in a seemingly meaningless world.- Existentialism is a philosophy that embraces ambiguity as a central aspect of human existence. By confronting this ambiguity head-on and embracing our freedom and responsibility, we can live authentically and create our own values and meaning in a world that is inherently uncertain.
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