Our values are subjective and arbitrary from "summary" of Being and Nothingness by Jean-Paul Sartre
Values, according to Sartre, are not inherent in the world or in human beings; they are subjective creations that individuals impose onto the world. This means that values are not universal truths but rather personal choices that we make based on our own experiences, beliefs, and desires. Sartre argues that because values are subjective, they are inherently arbitrary. There is no objective basis for why we choose one value over another; it is simply a matter of personal preference. This arbitrariness is what gives us the freedom to create our own values and define our own meaning in life. However, this freedom comes with a heavy burden. Sartre believes that because values are subjective and arbitrary, we are responsible for our choices and the values we create. We cannot blame external forces or circumstances for our decisions; we must take responsibility for them. This responsibility can be overwhelming, as it requires us to confront the uncertainty and ambiguity of our existence. In creating our own values, we must also recognize that others are doing the same. This means that our values are not necessarily shared by others, and conflicts can arise when our values clash with those of others. Sartre argues that this conflict is inevitable and that we must navigate it with honesty and authenticity.- Sartre's concept of subjective and arbitrary values emphasizes the importance of individual freedom and responsibility. It challenges us to confront the uncertainties of existence and to take ownership of our choices. It is a call to embrace the complexity and ambiguity of life and to create meaning in a world that is inherently devoid of inherent meaning.
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