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The Philosophy of Anguish

Being and Nothingness

This thematic thread follows anguish from concrete examples to the claim that it is freedom's immediate awareness of itself.

increasingupBearing stren­gth in each eventdowndecreasing
Fear of the WorldFear of the World from "Being and Nothingness". Fear of the World Threatening Objects Fear apprehends external dangers that may alter or destroy a person.
Fear of the World Threatening Objects Fear apprehends external dangers that may alter or destroy a person. It treats the self as an object exposed to causes in the world. Response Attention shifts toward practical precautions, keeping the danger at a distance where possible.
Fear of Being AfraidFear of Being Afraid from "Being and Nothingness". Fear of Being Afraid Self as Problem The soldier's concern turns from bombardment to the conduct he may choose under it. He fears his own possible response.
Fear of Being Afraid Self as Problem The soldier's concern turns from bombardment to the conduct he may choose under it. He fears his own possible response. Anguish The situation now discloses freedom: no prediction of the world can settle what the soldier will make of himself.
The Past Resolution FailsThe Past Resolution Fails from "Being and Nothingness". The Past Resolution Fails Memory Without Power The gambler remembers his decision but discovers that it has no force unless he remakes it.
The Past Resolution Fails Memory Without Power The gambler remembers his decision but discovers that it has no force unless he remakes it. The past cannot guarantee the present. Recurrent Anguish The encounter reveals a lasting break in psychological determinism and exposes the agent to renewed responsibility.
Values Lose Their AlibiValues Lose Their Alibi from "Being and Nothingness". Values Lose Their Alibi Founded by Freedom Values claim authority, but they cannot be grounded in being without ceasing to be values.
Values Lose Their Alibi Founded by Freedom Values claim authority, but they cannot be grounded in being without ceasing to be values. Their force depends on a free recognition. Anxiety The agent discovers that nothing outside freedom justifies the particular scale of values he chooses.
Flight into DeterminismFlight into Determinism from "Being and Nothingness". Flight into Determinism Reassuring Explanation Psychological determinism offers fixed causes and an enduring character in place of freedom.
Flight into Determinism Reassuring Explanation Psychological determinism offers fixed causes and an enduring character in place of freedom. It promises excuses for acts. Bad Faith The doctrine functions first as a flight from anguish. It tries to become a thing in order to escape the burden of choosing.
Part One, Chapter One, Section V, cliff example
Part One, Chapter One, Section V, soldier example
Part One, Chapter One, Section V, gambler example
Part One, Chapter One, Section V, ethical anguish
Part One, Chapter One, final pages