Jean-Paul Sartre, a French philosopher, is perhaps the best known advocate of
existentialism. In this view, no external authority gives life meaning: mankind is radically free
and responsible. In every moment we choose ourselves, with no assurance that we have a
continuing identity or power. We set up determinisms to ease our minds, but in the face of the
finality of death, only through our present consciousness do we establish our own authentic
existence. Sartre's existentialism faces the evil in human existence and sees that humans are
responsible for it.

The Giants of Philosophy is a series of dramatic presentations, in understandable language, of
the concerns, questions, interests, and overall world view of history's greatest philosophers.
Special emphasis on clear and relevant explanations gives you a new arsenal of insights toward
living a better life.

Vanderbilt University