Past Present Future The History of Freedom w/Lea Ypi: Existentialism and Psychoanalysis
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Apr 18, 2024 
Lea Ypi, a philosopher specializing in political theory, explores existentialism and psychoanalysis with David. They discuss free choice under despair, bad faith, and societal freedom lessons. Topics include contrasting existentialism with stoicism, individual agency shaping identity, societal conditioning, and the quest for authenticity in politics.
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Existence Before Essence Demands Courage
- Existentialism rejects an external moral order and forces individuals to create their own values in a bleak universe.
- This makes existentialism more radical and less consoling than stoicism, demanding courage to find meaning.
Grandmother As Stoic Model
- Lea Ypi contrasts her grandmother's stoic responsibility with existentialist individuality.
- Her grandmother modelled stoic acceptance rather than choosing a self-created essence.
Bad Faith Masks Choice As Fate
- Bad faith means claiming essence fixes your actions, e.g., saying "I can't" rather than "I won't."
- Sartre urges taking responsibility by recognizing you often choose not to act.