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Jean-Paul Sartre’s assertion that “existence precedes essence” fundamentally distinguishes human beings from artifacts. For artifacts, such as a knife or a paper cutter, their essence—their defined purpose and design—precedes their existence. That is, they are created according to a specific concept or blueprint, and their existence is a realization of that predefined essence .Reason and Meaning+3DSpace+3Maverick Philosopher+3
In contrast, Sartre argues that humans are not born with a predetermined essence or purpose. Instead, individuals first exist and then define themselves through their actions and choices. This perspective rejects the notion of a fixed human nature or a divine plan assigning a specific purpose to human life .Inside Political Science+2After Dinner Conversation+2Seoul Philosophy Club+2that-which.com+2LitCharts+2Wikipedia+2
Therefore, according to Sartre, humans are not artifacts because they are not created with a specific essence in mind. Rather, they are free agents who must create their own essence through living authentically and taking responsibility for their choices. This freedom is both liberating and burdensome, as it places the onus of defining one’s purpose squarely on the individual .After Dinner ConversationWikipedia+1After Dinner Conversation+1