Atheistic Existentialism: Sartre vs. Nietzsche
Introduction
- Exploration of atheistic existentialism through the comparison of Jean-Paul Sartre and Friedrich Nietzsche.
- Both philosophers start from atheistic assumptions but diverge in their ethical implications.
- Sartre emphasizes obligations to others, while Nietzsche is a relativist who rejects obligations.
Existentialism: An Overview
- Existentialism focuses on individual choices and decisions.
- It is not uniform; differences exist even among atheist existentialists like Sartre and Nietzsche.
Sartre’s Existentialism
Key Concepts
- Sartre claims existence precedes essence.
- Emphasizes humanism in existentialism.
- Sartre argues for individual responsibility for oneself and humanity.
- Ethical choices are representative of what humanity is and should be.
Critique of Sartre
- Sartre’s claim about theistic existentialists agreeing with existence preceding essence is challenged.
- Existentialism is not strictly about absurdity or paradox but about personal choice.
Sartre's Ethical Implications
- Actions define both individual and collective humanity.
- Sartre promotes responsibility for all mankind in personal choices.
- Anguish arises from the weight of responsibility and freedom.
- Even if God exists, personal responsibility remains central.
Nietzsche’s Existentialism
Key Concepts
- Nietzsche claims that morality is self-defined, not given.
- Rejects the notion of morality as a universal given, sees it as a tool for control.
Morality According to Nietzsche
- Morality originates from fear rather than mutual love.
- Critiques traditional moral systems as based on weakness and control.
- Advocates for the "will to power," where strong individuals define their own morality.
Nietzsche vs. Sartre
- Nietzsche disagrees with Sartre’s collective responsibility; emphasizes individual power.
- Nietzsche sees himself as the arbiter of morality.
Conclusion
- Both Sartre and Nietzsche emphasize decision-making but differ in the ethical weight of those decisions.
- Sartre views decisions as collective, Nietzsche as individualistic.
- The choice between their philosophical approaches highlights the diversity within atheistic existentialism.
Key Takeaway: Atheistic existentialism, as represented by Sartre and Nietzsche, offers divergent paths concerning morality and individual responsibility, showcasing the varied interpretations within this philosophical movement.