Summing up Sartre's Existentialist Ethics

1. We are "condemned to be free"; we can't escape necessity of making choices

2. Whenever we act, we are pursuing some goal (large or small); we do what we value at that time. Achieving our values depends upon our freedom; thus, freedom is "foundation of all values" - the ultimate value.

3. This holds for all free beings, not just u; if u value freedom, u must value everyone's freedom

4. Using your freedom to cripple or destroy freedom of those who are not threatening u is wrong, & others have moral right to stop u; freedom & responsibility go hand in hand.

5. Best way to work toward ultimate goal of freedom for all is to be informed, be impartial, & to think clearly.

 

This is (+), optimistic side of existentialism: respect for dignity of all free, responsible persons. In this sense, Sarte says existentialism is humanistic. What is meaning of life? Whatever meaning u give to it! We can respect each othereven if we define our lives in radically different ways.