Tolle Lege: An Augustinian Journal of Philosophy and Theology

This study aims to answer numerous questions for man in his journey to realize his uniqueness, including: What is freedom? What do we really mean when we refer to human freedom? Many philosophers have addressed specific concerns about human freedom by engaging in logical conflicts and disputes, which have led them to allege certain ideas and errors. However, this work embraces a critical exposition of freedom in Jean-Paul Sartre's view as means to real living based on this backdrop. With regard to Sartre, freedom has nothingness as its basis, is unbound by everything, and hence, is the essence of man. Critical analysis is the method employed in this research work. Findings show that man first develops his own essence since "existence precedes essence," meaning that he was devoid of any essence prior to his existence. Man creates himself through free will and independent action. The goal of this study project is to reawaken in man the very truth that man's freedom is inexorably accompanied by a heavy and unavoidable duty, which is a vital condition for genuine self-existence. The value Sartre has seen it embrace can only be attained authentically when we take ownership of the significance of our past and present and consciously determine our future.

Open Full Text (PDF)