Jean-Paul Sartre was a French philosopher, novelist, and playwright He was one of the central figures of 20th century philosophical thought and is often referred to as the father of Existentialism. Sartre believed in the idea of Existentialism, which is based on the notion that existence precedes essence. He believed that humans exist first before they can form an essence, and that from this, humans are free to make their own choices and create meaning for themselves in life.
Sartre’s philosophical writing has been widely studied and discussed, and he has become a particularly popular figure in academic circles. From this, a number of interesting and thought-provoking topics have emerged to help students and scholars explore his work. Here, we have compiled a list of five best examples of Jean-Paul Sartre essay topics:
1. The Concept of Freedom in Sartre’s Existentialism: In this essay, discuss Sartre’s concept of human freedom as it relates to his Existentialist philosophy. Describe how this concept of freedom differs from other philosophical approaches and discuss the implications of this concept for modern day life.
2. The Phenomenology of the Other in Sartre’s Teachings: This essay will focus on Sartre’s concept of the ‘other’, and how this notion informs his writings on phenomenology. Explore Sartre’s philosophical treatment of the other, and how this relates to his view of human consciousness.
3. The Form and Function of Bad Faith in Sartre’s Writings: Bad faith is a core concept in Sartre’s writings, and in this essay, discuss the form and function of bad faith in Sartre’s writings. Describe how bad faith is used to both undermine and confirm the sense of freedom and responsibility that lies at the core of his philosophy.
4. The Influence of Existentialism in 20th Century Art: Existentialist philosophy has had a profound influence on 20th century art and literature, and in this essay, discuss this influence in detail. Analyze how existentialist concepts like those of Sartre, have been used to inform works of art, music, and literature, and how these ideas have contributed to the development of culture in the 20th century.
5. The Relevance of Sartre’s Existentialism Today: In this essay, discuss the relevance of Sartre’s Existentialism today. Explore how Sartre’s theories can still be applied to the modern world, and discuss the implications of this for our understanding of freedom, responsibility, and the meaning of life.