Jean-Paul Sartre, a French existentialist philosopher, is known for his work on existentialism and phenomenology. While not a psychologist, Sartre’s ideas have significantly influenced psychology, particularly existential psychology and humanistic psychology.
Here are some ways Sartre’s philosophy intersects with psychology:
1. Existential Freedom and Responsibility: Sartre famously declared that “existence precedes essence,” meaning that individuals are not born with a predefined nature; rather, they create their own identity and meaning through choices. In psychological terms, this emphasis on freedom and personal responsibility is reflected in therapies like existential therapy, where individuals explore their freedom to make choices and the responsibility that comes with it. This can be empowering, but also anxiety-inducing, as it places the burden of meaning-making entirely on the individual.
This idea from Being and Nothingness is central to Sartre’s philosophy. It means that humans are born without any predefined purpose or nature. Instead, we create our own essence (identity, purpose, values) through our choices and actions. For Sartre, this is both liberating and burdensome: we have the freedom to define ourselves, but we are also responsible for creating meaning in a world that has none intrinsically. This concept rejects determinism and asserts human agency, putting the power of self-creation in each individual’s hands.
Also from Being and Nothingness, this idea reflects the heavy responsibility that comes with freedom. According to Sartre, because there is no higher power to define our purpose or guide our choices, we are “condemned” to total freedom in making our own decisions. This freedom can be daunting, as it leaves us with no excuses: we cannot blame others or external circumstances for who we become. The idea confronts us with the reality that we are ultimately responsible for our lives, even in the face of difficult circumstances.
2. The Concept of “Bad Faith” Authenticity and Self-Deception: Sartre introduced the idea of “bad faith” (mauvaise foi), which refers to self-deception or lying to oneself. In this state, a person denies their own freedom or responsibility by attributing their actions to external forces, like societal pressures or past experiences.
- Psychologically, this relates to defense mechanisms, self-sabotage, and denial, where people might deceive themselves about their motives and actions.
This concept has influenced psychologists, especially in areas such as psychotherapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), where individuals are encouraged to confront their self-deception and take responsibility for their actions and choices.
3. Self and the “Other”. Interpersonal Relationships and the “Look” (L’Autre): Sartre’s work emphasizes the tension between the “self” and the “other,” especially in his concept of the look (le regard), where an individual becomes aware of themselves as an object in the gaze of another. This concept has parallels in psychological theories about self-consciousness, social anxiety, and the development of the self. It suggests that the way we perceive ourselves is shaped by how we think others perceive us. This also leads to themes in relational and humanistic psychology, emphasizing how relationships and self-image can influence personal growth and self-awareness.
4. Authenticity and Psychological Well-being: Sartre’s emphasis on authenticity—living in accordance with one’s true self and not being constrained by social roles or expectations—has influenced contemporary psychology, particularly in areas like humanistic psychology and self-actualization. Psychologists like Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow were concerned with helping individuals achieve personal growth and live authentically, free from societal impositions.
5. Existential Therapy and Influence on Psychotherapists: Though Sartre was not a psychologist, his work greatly influenced existential psychologists like Rollo May, Irvin Yalom, and Viktor Frankl. Existential therapy incorporates Sartre’s ideas about freedom, authenticity, and responsibility, helping individuals confront existential concerns and embrace personal meaning.
In Nausea, Sartre describes a moment where Roquentin experiences an odd, almost surreal fear toward a fork. This illustrates Roquentin’s feeling of existential dread and estrangement from ordinary objects. Here’s the quote:
“I look at the fork; at the end of its curved neck, the four pale teeth menace me. They exist, they are there, before my eyes, with their little holes in between which make them look like real teeth. They seem to be saying, ‘You need us: remember you are made of flesh.'”
This passage shows Roquentin’s bizarre discomfort and fear, as if the fork is almost alive and hostile. It’s not the fork itself that he fears, but the existence of the fork, which becomes menacing and surreal in his perception. This reflects Sartre’s existential theme of objects and life itself feeling alien, overwhelming, and sometimes terrifying in their raw, undeniable existence.
In summary, while Sartre himself was not a psychologist, his ideas about freedom, responsibility, self-deception, and authenticity have deeply influenced psychological thought, particularly in existential and humanistic approaches.
