Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • A French writer and existentialist philosopher: Refers specifically to Jean-Paul Sartre, a 20th-century intellectual known for his works in philosophy, literature, and political activism. He was a leading figure in existentialism and phenomenology.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • Sartre argued that "existence precedes essence." (Sartre argued that "existence precedes essence.")
  • We are studying the plays of Sartre in my literature class. (We are studying the plays of Sartre in my literature class.)
  • Sartre's philosophy emphasizes radical freedom and responsibility. (Sartre's philosophy emphasizes radical freedom and responsibility.)

Advanced Usage

• "Sartrean" (adjective): Of or relating to the ideas, philosophy, or style of Jean-Paul Sartre.
  • The novel has a distinctly Sartrean view of human alienation. (The novel has a distinctly Sartrean view of human alienation.)

Variants and Related Words

• Existentialism (n): A philosophical theory or approach which emphasizes the existence of the individual person as a free and responsible agent, a central theme in Sartre's work.
• Phenomenology (n): A philosophical method originating in the work of Edmund Husserl, which influenced Sartre's early thought, focusing on the structures of consciousness and experience.
• Nausea (n): The title of Sartre's 1938 novel, which is also a key concept in his philosophy describing a profound feeling of disgust at the contingency of existence.

Synonyms

• The philosopher of existentialism: A descriptive synonym highlighting his primary philosophical association.
• Jean-Paul Sartre: The full name.

Related Phrases

• "Hell is other people": A famous line from Sartre's play No Exit ("Huis Clos"), often quoted to summarize a theme of interpersonal conflict and objectification.

  • When discussing difficult roommates, he joked, "Sartre was right: hell is other people." (When discussing difficult roommates, he joked, "Sartre was right: hell is other people.")

• "Bad faith" (mauvaise foi): A key Sartrean concept describing the act of self-deception where one denies their own freedom and responsibility.

  • He accused the politician of acting in bad faith by making empty promises. (He accused the politician of acting in bad faith by making empty promises.)

Noun

1. French writer and existentialist philosopher (1905-1980)