2- Existentialism

Existentialism
Final Essay Assignment

*please read the entire prompt carefully*
This prompt replaces the syllabus prompt and should be followed accordingly.

Papers must be type-written, double-spaced, meticulously edited (multiple times), and 3-6 pages in total length. Instead of a title page that includes a creative title and word count, please include a single sentence in the header of your paper alone that includes your name, essay title (word count), and date submitted. No late papers will be accepted under any circumstances.
A clearly identified and critically engaged thesis statement that is both concretely specified in your introductory paragraph and carefully developed throughout your essay is required. Parenthetical citations should be used for all citations—you need only cite the relevant page number(s) in parentheses. Bibliographies should be included at the end of your paper. You may choose the format style, but it must be applied consistently.

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In Existentialism and Human Emotions, Sartre announced what is perhaps the most well-known and controversial statement of existentialism as a philosophy for justifying one’s life. In his words, “Thus, existentialism’s first move is to make every man aware of what he is and to make the full responsibility of his existence rest on him. And when we say that a man is responsible for himself, we do not only mean that he is responsible for his own individuality, but that he is responsible for all men” (Sartre 1985, 16).

Develop an original and focused argument for the relevance of Sartre’s claim in particular and essay in general to our own times. What critical and substantive sense can you make of this claim? Your essay should distinguish itself from the authors and ideas introduced but you must also show evidence of having read the texts firsthand. So, choose quotes carefully and strategically.

One focus you might consider is that of bad faith in relationship to Sartre’s claim of personal-and-universal responsibility. How do Barnes, Gordon, and Paz speak to Sartre’s claim? Be specific about the problem or issue you are addressing, and do not try to engage more than one or two problems.