The Nature of Consciousness in the Philosophy of Jean-Paul Sartre: A Philosophical Analysis
Rabindranath Hati
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) October 31, 2026 preprint DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.23830124 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper |
|---|---|
| Key points | Argues that Sartre's account of consciousness, which he treats as inherently free and explicates in ontological terms, is the means by which he clarifies the nature of human existence, and that this approach departs from conventional philosophical traditions and is distinctive and original. |
Abstract
Abstract: In this short research paper, an attempt has been made to analyze the nature of consciousness in the existential philosophy of Jean-Paul Sartre. The study begins by examining how and why existential philosophy emerged, alongside an inquiry into its fundamental nature. It subsequently delves into the core theme of Sartre’s existentialism—the nature of consciousness—providing a thorough discussion of its definition, essence, and distinct characteristics according to Sartre. The paper seeks to demonstrate how Sartre elucidates the true nature of human existence through his examination of consciousness. Sartre posits human consciousness as inherently free; however, within his existential framework, freedom assumes a unique dimension, which he explicates from an ontological perspective. Departing from conventional philosophical traditions, Sartre advances a distinctive and radically original approach to the discourse on consciousness.