Sartre’s concept of Angst, or existential angst, is a key aspect of his philosophy of existentialism. It refers to the feeling of anxiety and dread that arises when individuals confront the fundamental absurdity and contingency of human existence. In this essay, we will explore Sartre’s concept of Angst and its significance.
According to Sartre, human existence is fundamentally absurd and contingent. Human beings exist in a world that is indifferent to their existence, and their lives have no inherent meaning or purpose. Moreover, human beings are free to create their own values and meaning in life, but this freedom is also a burden, as it requires individuals to take responsibility for their choices and the consequences that follow.
This sense of absurdity and contingency can lead to a feeling of Angst, or existential anxiety. When individuals confront the fundamental meaninglessness of existence, they may feel overwhelmed by a sense of despair and dread. They may feel as though their lives are meaningless, and that their choices and actions are ultimately futile.
However, Sartre argues that Angst is not necessarily a negative emotion. In fact, he argues that it is a necessary and valuable part of the human experience. Angst can serve as a wake-up call, forcing individuals to confront the absurdity and contingency of existence and to take responsibility for their choices and actions.
Moreover, Angst can also serve as a catalyst for personal growth and transformation. By confronting their own limitations and fears, individuals can develop a greater sense of self-awareness and authenticity. They can become more true to themselves, and more fully engage with the world around them.
Sartre’s concept of Angst has significant implications for ethics. If human existence is fundamentally absurd and contingent, then ethics must be based on individual responsibility and the need to create one’s own values and meaning in life. Sartre argues that individuals must take responsibility for their own choices and actions, and must not rely on external sources of guidance or authority.
Moreover, Sartre argues that individuals must be willing to confront their own limitations and fears, and to take risks in order to create meaning and purpose in their lives. This means that ethics must be based on a willingness to take responsibility for one’s own choices and actions, and a willingness to confront the inherent absurdity and contingency of human existence.
However, Sartre’s concept of Angst has also been criticized. Some argue that it can lead to a sense of nihilism or despair, in which individuals feel as though their lives have no value or meaning. Moreover, it can lead to a lack of concern for others, as individuals may prioritize their own desires and values over the needs and desires of others.
Sartre responds to these criticisms by arguing that Angst is not necessarily a negative emotion, but rather a necessary part of the human experience. Moreover, he argues that the development of a greater sense of self-awareness and authenticity can actually lead individuals to become more concerned for others, precisely because they are more fully engaged with the world and with their own values and desires.
In conclusion, Sartre’s concept of Angst is a key aspect of his philosophy of existentialism. It refers to the feeling of anxiety and dread that arises when individuals confront the fundamental absurdity and contingency of human existence. While Angst can be a negative emotion, Sartre argues that it is also a necessary and valuable part of the human experience. By confronting their own limitations and fears, individuals can develop a greater sense of self-awareness and authenticity, and become more fully engaged with the world and with their own values and desires.