Topic for 16th February 2026:
Introducing Existentialism
Simone de Beauvoir and Jean-Paul Sartre two influential French Philosophers.
Key figures in Existentialism a philosophy of freedom and choice
Who were they?
Simone de Beauvoir(1908-1986)-philosopher,feminist, writer
Jean-Paul Sartre (1905-1980) philosopher,writer,critic
Lifelong partners and intellectual collaborators.
Existentialism
. Core idea. “Existence precedes essence.”
. Humans are free to choose, create their own meaning in life.
. No inherent purpose or destiny – we must take responsibility.
Key concepts
. Freedom we are “condemned to be free.”
. Choice our choices define us.
. Responsibility, we must own our actions.
. Authenticity: living genuinely without pretences.
Impact
. influenced post-war thought, literature and politics.
. Shaped feminist, existentialist and humanist movements.
Example: Beauvoir’s “The second sex”(1949) -a foundational; feminist text arguing women are not inherently inferior.
Final Thought: Existentialism is about embracing our freedom, taking responsibility and creating our own meaning. Beauvoir and Sartre’s ideas still resound today.
The opposite of existentialism is essentialism. Essentialism suggests that our essence (or purpose) is predetermined, often by external factors like society, religion or biology.
Other philosophies that contrast with existentialism include:
Nihilism,idealism. Determination – each offering different perspectives on meaning, purpose and human existence.
Discuss – How do you define purpose or meaning in life?
Discussion Questions
.what’s one thing your grateful for today and why?
.what’s a challenge you are facing and how are you approaching it?
. What’s something that brings you joy and how can you incorporate it into your life?
. What’s one value that guides your directions and why is it important to you?
OiR Ayr 