Jean-Paul Sartre

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What did Jean-Paul Sartre mean by 'existence precedes essence'? Jean-Paul Sartre
11 days ago | beth

What did Jean-Paul Sartre mean by 'existence precedes essence'?

The phrase 'existence precedes essence' is a key tenet of Sartre's existentialism. It means that humans first exist, and through their actions and choices, they define their essence or nature. Unlike inanimate objects, which have a predetermined purpose, humans are free to create their own meaning and identity.