THE HUMAN CONDITION IN JEAN PAUL SARTRE: A PHILOSOPHICAL STUDY

SOURCE:

Faculty: Arts
Department: Philosophy

CONTRIBUTORS:

Okonkwo, B. A.
Mbaegbu, C.

ABSTRACT:

Existentialism is not simply a Philosophy or a Philosophical revolt, Existentialist philosophy is the explicit conceptual manifestation of an existential attitude, and it is the philosophical realization of a self-Conscious living in a ‘broken world’ which Sartre still remains one of the foremost proponents of this school of philosophy. Although he acknowledges that there is no universal human nature, he grants that there is a universality of condition. For Sartre, the human condition is not some mysterious essence, but the fundamental situation in which man finds himself. This situation which all men share consists of two things, namely freedom and factcity in this situation for Sartre each person strive to achieve his goals within his limitations. This research employs hermeneutic method, which will make it possible to interpret the views of Jean Paul Sartre on human condition which entails freedom and facticity. The research discovers that there is no way in which something can constitute knowledge without being influenced by man’s subjective considerations; in this regard the study takes a look at Sartre’s human condition in other to bring to light certain principles that condition human existence and core existence in Nigeria, and that absolute freedom has its positions directly against the position of determinism. This work therefore, calls for war against executive impunity and rascality. This study therefore concludes by recommending that man must live above his selfish or parochial interests in order to choose the right actions that would improve the lot or condition of many in the society and certain social political issues bedeviling Nigeria, which are responsible for why Nigeria is not progressing.