Jack, a guest on the show, discusses Sartre's Transcendence of the Ego. They explore Sartre's life and writings, his critique of Freud and Husserl's transcendental ego, his relationship with Laconne and his unique form of psychoanalysis. They delve into consciousness, the unconscious, and the concept of inwardness. They also discuss existentialism, focusing on 'Nausea' and the struggle with identity and self-discovery.
Bad faith involves self-deception, hiding true spontaneity, and limiting freedom.
Sartre challenges the idea of the ego and proposes an impersonal transcendental field.
True freedom transcends the limitations imposed by the ego and external circumstances.
Deep dives
The Paradox of Bad Faith
Bad faith is a central concept in Sartre's philosophy, which refers to the self-deceptive act of convincing oneself of a certain identity or belief that may not align with true feelings or intentions. It involves the hiding or masking of one's true spontaneity, creating a sense of false certainty and limiting one's freedom. Sartre argues that bad faith is inherent in everyday self-understanding and is a constant struggle for individuals. It is not a problem that can be fully escaped, as sincerity is impossible and consciousness is always in relation to others.
Transcendental Ego and Impersonal Consciousness
Sartre challenges the philosophy of Husserl and his idea of the transcendental ego. He argues that the ego is not an inherent part of consciousness but instead a practical problem that masks spontaneity. He proposes the idea of an impersonal transcendental field, where consciousness is not limited by the ego. In this field, consciousness is causeless and self-limiting, representing a transcendent object that is both inward and transcendent. Sartre emphasizes that the ego does not determine the true nature of consciousness and that it needs to be bracketed in order to access the impersonal transcendental field.
The Concept of Freedom and Suicide
Freedom is a recurring theme in Sartre's philosophy and is deeply connected to the concept of bad faith. Sartre argues that true freedom goes beyond limitations imposed by the ego and external circumstances. He explores the idea that suicide represents the ultimate act of freedom, as it challenges the constraints of existence and rejects societal expectations. Sartre believes that suicide can be seen as a radical act of autonomy, pushing the boundaries of consciousness and transcending the limits imposed by the ego.
The Relationship Between Identity and Consciousness
Sartre raises important questions about the relationship between identity and consciousness. He suggests that identities are not fixed or absolute, but constantly negotiated and experienced through consciousness. He challenges the idea that identity is solely based on internal reflection and argues that it is influenced by external factors, such as societal norms and perceptions. Sartre posits that the true nature of consciousness and identity is elusive, and individuals are often unaware of their own authentic selves due to the effects of self-deception and social conditioning.
Existence preceding essence and the concept of freedom
The podcast episode explores the concept of existence preceding essence, which is a central idea in Sartre's philosophy. It emphasizes the idea that individuals exist before they have a predetermined essence or purpose. This notion is linked to human freedom, as it suggests that individuals have the ability to create their own essence through their choices and actions. The episode also touches on the idea of radical freedom, where individuals take ownership of their existence and embrace the responsibility of making choices without relying on external constraints or predetermined values. The discussion delves into the implications of this concept in relation to suicide, highlighting various perspectives on whether suicide can be seen as an act of freedom or the result of oppressive conditions.
The gaze, imminence, and the loss of self
Another topic explored in the podcast episode is the concept of the gaze and its connection to the loss of self. The gaze is described as the effect of being observed by others and the way it can reduce individuals to mere objects in the minds of others. This loss of subjectivity and heightened self-consciousness is connected to the idea of imminence, where individuals are trapped in their own consciousness and unable to transcend the perspectives of others. The conversation also references the writings of Nietzsche and Deleuze, who offer different perspectives on imminence and the relationship between the self and the other. The exploration of these concepts highlights the existential anxiety and the challenges individuals face in finding a sense of identity and meaning in a complex and interconnected world.
Jack (@jackpaulsartre) joined Taylor and I discussed Sartre's Transcendence of the Ego.
Jack's Links:
https://alwaysother.bandcamp.com/
https://soundcloud.com/always-other
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCV2onpCTFnMTwvI_pEEsWQA
https://www.tiktok.com/@alwaysother?
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Twitter: @unconscioushh
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