Here are the response questions for Week 10, our discussion of Sartre, authenticity, and his essay Existentialism is a Humanism. Please read the essay, listen to the posted lecture, and pick ONE of the following questions to answer, and then upload your response (in Word doc or PDF) to its assignment dropbox. (See under: Assessment: Assignments)
1. On page 66 of Being and Nothingness, Sartre writes that sincerity is to confess to myself what I am in order that I may finally coincide with my being”. Using this quotation, explain how Sartre makes his case that the ambition to be true to oneself is not a solution to bad faith, but rather just another form of bad faith?
2. Explain, define and distinguish each of the four criticisms levelled against existentialism by its critics, according to Sartre. (The four criticisms are collected on Slide 9.)
3. One of the criticisms that Sartre raises is that existentialism is quietist. Explain what quietism is, in your own words, and introduce an example of your own of what quietism looks like. How does Sartre defend against this criticism? Do you find that defence convincing? Why? Why not?
4. In response to the young man request for guidance on the decision he faces, Sartres response (p. 297) is You are free, therefore choose a) In your words, describe the situation the young man faces? b) Explain the essence and meaning of Sartres advice to him. c) Do you believe the advice is helpful? Why? Why not?
5. On page 308, Sartre describes his notion of authenticity thusly: The one thing that counts is to know whether the invention is made in the name of freedom. In terms of this quotations, explain the difference between an authentic decision and an inauthentic one, in Sartres terms. Provide an example of your own for each.
