Finding Collective Responsibility in Existentialism: A Path to Authentic Community
Existentialism is often seen as a philosophy focused on individual freedom and responsibility. Pioneered by thinkers like Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir, it emphasizes personal authenticity and the creation of meaning through individual choices. However, existentialism also provides insights into collective responsibility, showing how personal freedom intersects with ethical considerations for others and aligns with deontological principles of universal rules. ### **1. Existentialism’s Core: Personal Freedom and Responsibility** **Authenticity**: Central to existentialism is the idea that individuals must live authentically, making choices that reflect their true selves. Sartre argued that we are “condemned to be free,” meaning that our freedom compels us to take responsibility for our actions and their consequences. **Individual Agency**: Existentialism posits that each person must navigate their existence by embracing their freedom and making meaningful choices, even in the ...