1. Why does existentialism horrify certain people?
(a) What does Sartre think of people who say things like: "So there remains within me, unused and quite viable, a host of propensities, inclinations, possibilities, that one wouldn't guess from the mere series of things I've done."
(b) How does Sartre think the existentialist attitude motivates people to act?
(c) What does Sartre mean when he says "there's no such thing as a cowardly constitution"?
(d) Why does he think people don't like this idea? Why does he think existentialism represents 'optimistic toughness'?
(e) What are your thoughts?
2. Intersubjectivity (Explain).
3. Objection: You're able to do anything, no matter what.
(a) What does Sartre say you cannot do?
(b) Try to explain the analogy between making a moral choice a painting a picture.
(c) How can moral decisions not be arbitrary even though there are no a priori values or rules?
4. How is it possible to pass judgment?
(a) Explain: "Every man who takes refuge behind the excuse of his passions, every man who sets up a determinism, is a dishonest man."
(b) Why can't people choose dishonesty?
5. How can the existentialist pass moral judgment?
(a) What does Sartre mean "freedom is the basis of all values"?
(b) What do you think of this idea?
(c) How does our own freedom depend entirely on the freedom of others and the freedom of others depend on ours?
(d) When does Sartre morally judge someone to be a coward?
(e) What is the moral standard of action for existentialists?
6. How does Sartre respond to the charge that "values aren't serious, since you choose them"?
(a) What do you think about his response?
7. Sartre says at the end that "even if God did exist, it would change nothing." What do you think he means?
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