Philosophy Roundtable: Debating Existentialism (via Jean-Paul Sartre)

About this event

Please join us this Sunday for an introduction and discussion of existentialist philosophy via Jean-Paul Sartre, focusing on his lecture 'Existentialism is a humanism'. You may have heard the word 'existentialism' and wondered what it means. It sounds complicated! I want to reassure you, it is not that difficult to understand, and one person who helped clarify its concepts was the French philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre. Jean-Paul Sartre is one of, if not the, most famous existentialist philosophers. He lived during the early part of the 20th century and was friends with fellow existentialist Simone de Beauvoir. In this session I will introduce Sartre's main concepts from his work, and we will then discuss what we make of his analysis of the human condition - whether we agree and what this means for our own lives. We will meet at Good Nature Hotel at 2pm for a 2:15pm start shar Please note the new $5 mandatory donation entry fee (cash or transfer on day) to help with MeetUp subscription cost Suggested Reading Sartre - 'Existentialism is a Humanism' (1945) pp.17-54 https://dn790003.ca.archive.org/0/items/jeanpaulsartreexistentialismisahumanismzlib.org/%5BJean_Paul_Sartre%5D_Existentialism_Is_a_Humanism%28z-lib.org%29.pdf While the above reading is suggested, no philosophical background is needed, all that is required is a curious mind. These sessions are both a Socrates Cafe style discussion and a lively metaphysical dojo in the spirit of learning, sharing thoughts and friendly debate. We welcome your self-reflections! In addition feel free to question assumptions and be prepared to have your own assumptions question Key Existentialist Concepts for Sartre • "Existence precedes essence" • Human as subject, not as object • Angst, Abandonment and Despair • We are condemned to be free • Not acting in 'Bad Faith’ Questions • What are your thoughts on Sartre's existentialist concepts? Do you find them useful? • On the other hand, what are your major objections to Sartre's view? • Do you agree with Sartre that humans are not designed for any particular purpose? • Even if we are, does living according to this purpose define the 'good human'? • Do you agree that we have the level of radical freedom that Sartre seems to assert? • Why does me choosing a certain action recommend it to all others? and open to any other questions or curiosities about this topic people might have on the day Note: On this occasion we will be having a maximum of 12 people for this discussion so that everyone can hear me explain Sartre's existentialism Hope to see you there