Existentialism is a philosophy focused on individual freedom, responsibility, and meaning. It challenges traditional moral frameworks and emphasizes personal choice. Existentialist ethics rejects absolute moral rules. Instead, it argues that people must create their own values.
Thinkers like Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, and Friedrich Nietzsche shaped these ideas. Key concepts include authenticity, freedom, and the absurd. Ethics in existentialism is not about universal principles but personal responsibility. This article explores its core ideas and practical applications. Understanding these ethics helps in decision-making, self-awareness, and social responsibility.
The Ethics of Existentialism: The Basics
Definition
Existentialist ethics is based on the idea that individuals create their own moral values. Unlike traditional ethical theories that rely on universal principles, existentialism rejects fixed moral laws. Instead, it argues that morality is a personal and subjective choice. Jean-Paul Sartre famously stated that “existence precedes essence,” meaning humans define their own purpose. This idea challenges religious and philosophical systems that impose pre-existing meanings on life.
This ethical approach places responsibility on individuals to act authentically. It does not provide absolute answers to moral dilemmas. Instead, it urges people to confront their choices with honesty and courage. Since there is no external authority dictating right or wrong, each person must take full accountability for their actions. This creates a morality that is flexible, yet demanding, as it requires deep self-awareness and commitment to personal values.
Key Existentialist Thinkers on Ethics
Jean-Paul Sartre
Sartre argued that humans are “condemned to be free.” He believed that without a predetermined essence, individuals must create their own values. His concept of bad faith describes the tendency to avoid this responsibility by conforming to societal norms. Sartre insisted that ethical living requires authenticity—acting in accordance with one’s true self, rather than external expectations.
He rejected moral absolutes, claiming that ethics arise from personal choices. He illustrated this in Existentialism Is a Humanism, where he describes a student torn between joining the military or staying with his mother. Sartre’s view was that no external rule could decide for him—he must choose and accept full responsibility for his decision.
Simone de Beauvoir
De Beauvoir extended existentialist ethics to issues of oppression and gender. In The Second Sex, she argued that women are often confined by societal roles, preventing them from living authentically. She introduced the ethics of ambiguity, which recognizes that freedom exists within complex social structures.
Unlike Sartre, de Beauvoir believed ethics must consider the freedom of others. She argued that true morality involves fostering both one’s own freedom and the freedom of those around them. This idea laid the foundation for feminist ethics, emphasizing that ethical living requires dismantling structures that limit human potential.
Friedrich Nietzsche
Nietzsche was a precursor to existentialist thought. He rejected traditional morality, calling it a product of societal control. His idea of slave morality criticized conventional ethics, which he saw as promoting weakness and conformity. He proposed the Übermensch (Overman), an individual who creates their own values and rises above societal norms.
His critique of religious morality influenced existentialist ethics by encouraging personal responsibility. Nietzsche’s famous declaration, “God is dead,” symbolized the collapse of absolute moral truths. He believed that individuals must construct their own ethics, based on strength, creativity, and self-overcoming.
Key Ideas of Existentialist Ethics
#1. Existence Precedes Essence
The phrase “existence precedes essence” is a central tenet of existentialist thought. Jean-Paul Sartre introduced this idea, arguing that humans are not born with a predefined purpose or essence. Instead, they create their identity through actions and choices. Unlike objects, which are designed for specific functions, human beings must determine their own meaning. This idea rejects religious and philosophical doctrines that impose a fixed human nature.
In ethics, this means that morality is not dictated by external forces such as God, tradition, or society. Each individual must take responsibility for defining their values. This concept liberates people from imposed moral constraints but also places the burden of ethical decision-making entirely on them. Without an inherent moral framework, people must consciously choose their principles and live authentically.
#2. Radical Freedom
Existentialist ethics asserts that humans have radical freedom. Sartre argued that individuals are “condemned to be free,” meaning they have no excuse for avoiding responsibility. No external force determines actions—people always have a choice, even in oppressive situations. This challenges deterministic views that claim human behavior is controlled by genetics, fate, or divine will.
However, this freedom is not without consequences. Since people determine their own morality, they must accept full responsibility for their actions. This responsibility can be overwhelming, leading to existential angst—the anxiety of making life-altering choices without clear guidelines. Ethical behavior, according to existentialism, requires embracing this freedom rather than avoiding it through conformity or self-deception.
#3. Authenticity
Authenticity means living in alignment with one’s true beliefs and values rather than conforming to external expectations. Sartre criticized individuals who live in bad faith—denying their freedom by submitting to societal roles and norms. For example, a person who follows religious or cultural traditions without questioning their personal significance is not living authentically.
Simone de Beauvoir expanded on this idea in The Second Sex, arguing that many women were conditioned to accept subordinate roles rather than choosing their own paths. Authenticity, in her view, required resisting societal pressures and creating one’s own identity. In ethics, this principle demands that individuals make conscious, deliberate choices rather than blindly following conventions.
#4. Personal Responsibility
Since existentialism denies universal moral laws, individuals must take full responsibility for their actions. There is no higher authority—whether religious, philosophical, or societal—that can absolve a person of ethical accountability. Sartre emphasized this in Existentialism Is a Humanism, stating that when a person makes a choice, they are also defining what they believe is right for humanity.
This responsibility extends beyond individual choices to their impact on others. While existentialist ethics prioritizes personal freedom, it also acknowledges that actions influence the freedom of others. De Beauvoir argued that ethical living requires considering how one’s choices contribute to or restrict the freedom of those around them.
#5. The Absurd
Albert Camus, often associated with existentialism, introduced the concept of the absurd—the conflict between human desire for meaning and the indifferent universe. He argued that life has no inherent purpose, yet humans continuously seek one. This paradox creates a sense of absurdity, where traditional ethical systems collapse.
In The Myth of Sisyphus, Camus suggested that rather than despairing, individuals must embrace the absurd and live fully despite the lack of meaning. Existentialist ethics, therefore, does not rely on predetermined moral codes but on an individual’s response to the absurd. Ethical living means engaging with life passionately, even in the face of uncertainty.
#6. Moral Ambiguity
Existentialist ethics rejects black-and-white moral judgments. Instead, it embraces moral ambiguity, recognizing that ethical dilemmas often lack clear answers. De Beauvoir’s Ethics of Ambiguity emphasizes that morality is complex and context-dependent. People must navigate ethical challenges without relying on absolute rules.
This ambiguity forces individuals to engage in continuous self-reflection. Ethical choices are not static but evolve based on experience, relationships, and societal changes. Rather than seeking universal principles, existentialist ethics demands that people evaluate each situation uniquely and take responsibility for their decisions.
#7. Engagement and Commitment
Existentialist ethics emphasizes active engagement in the world. Sartre argued that freedom is meaningless without commitment to a cause or purpose. Unlike passive detachment, existentialist morality requires individuals to take a stand and act on their beliefs. Ethical engagement means choosing a direction and remaining responsible for that choice.
This idea is particularly relevant in social and political contexts. De Beauvoir argued that existentialist ethics demands opposition to oppression and injustice. Inaction, she claimed, is a form of complicity. Ethical commitment means actively shaping the world rather than passively accepting its conditions.
#8. Others as a Mirror (The Look)
Sartre introduced the concept of The Look, describing how individuals perceive themselves through others. When someone is observed, they become aware of themselves as an object in another’s consciousness. This creates tension between personal freedom and social expectations. Ethical behavior, in this framework, involves recognizing the impact of one’s actions on others while maintaining authenticity.
This idea also relates to interpersonal ethics. While existentialism prioritizes individual freedom, it acknowledges that humans exist in relation to others. De Beauvoir argued that ethical living involves fostering freedom for both oneself and others. Recognizing others as subjects, rather than objects, prevents ethical failures such as oppression or exploitation.
#9. Ethics of Ambiguity
In The Ethics of Ambiguity, de Beauvoir argued that morality must account for both personal freedom and social responsibility. She rejected rigid moral codes, claiming that ethics must adapt to human complexity. Unlike traditional moral systems, which dictate fixed rules, existentialist ethics requires ongoing reflection and adaptation.
Her ethics also emphasized situational morality. Rather than universal principles, ethical decisions depend on context. De Beauvoir criticized those who ignore moral ambiguity, arguing that ethical living requires engaging with uncertainty rather than seeking absolute answers. This perspective remains influential in feminist and political philosophy today.
#10. Overcoming Bad Faith
Bad faith is Sartre’s term for self-deception—avoiding responsibility by conforming to external pressures. People live in bad faith when they deny their freedom by adopting fixed roles or excuses. For example, a person who claims they “have no choice” in their actions is evading responsibility.
Overcoming bad faith requires acknowledging one’s freedom and making conscious, authentic choices. Sartre insisted that people must confront uncomfortable truths rather than seeking comfort in illusions. Ethical living means rejecting excuses, embracing responsibility, and actively shaping one’s identity.
Practical Applications of the Ethics of Existentialism
#1. Personal Identity & Authenticity
Existentialist ethics emphasizes authenticity as a foundation for personal identity. According to Jean-Paul Sartre, individuals must create their own identity rather than passively accepting societal labels. This means that people are not defined by their past, upbringing, or external expectations but by the choices they make in the present. Authentic living requires self-reflection and the courage to reject roles that do not align with one’s true beliefs.
In practice, this approach encourages individuals to challenge imposed identities, whether cultural, religious, or professional. Simone de Beauvoir applied this to gender roles, arguing that women must actively define their existence rather than conforming to traditional expectations. In a modern context, existentialist ethics supports self-determination in issues such as gender identity, personal expression, and life goals.
#2. Mental Health & Existential Therapy
Existentialist thought has deeply influenced psychotherapy, particularly in the development of existential therapy. Pioneered by Viktor Frankl, Rollo May, and Irvin Yalom, this approach helps individuals confront anxiety, meaninglessness, and personal responsibility. Instead of viewing mental distress purely as a disorder, existential therapy sees it as a response to unresolved existential concerns, such as fear of death, isolation, and loss of meaning.
This therapeutic method encourages clients to embrace their freedom and take control of their lives. Frankl’s logotherapy—inspired by his experiences in Nazi concentration camps—teaches that even in suffering, individuals can find purpose. Existential therapy is widely used to treat anxiety, depression, and existential crises by helping individuals develop personal meaning and take responsibility for their mental well-being.
#3. Ethics in Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Technology
As AI systems become more autonomous, existentialist ethics raises critical questions about responsibility and decision-making. If human existence is defined by choice and accountability, what happens when machines begin making ethical decisions? Sartre’s emphasis on radical freedom suggests that ethical responsibility cannot be outsourced to algorithms or AI models.
Furthermore, existentialist ethics challenges the dehumanization of individuals through technology. With AI influencing hiring decisions, surveillance, and social interactions, existentialists would argue that technology should enhance human freedom rather than restrict it. Ethical AI development should prioritize transparency, individual autonomy, and resistance to technological determinism—ensuring that humans remain in control of their moral choices.
#4. Social Justice & Political Responsibility
Existentialist ethics demands active engagement in social and political issues. Simone de Beauvoir, in The Second Sex, argued that oppression results from people treating others as objects rather than as free individuals. She insisted that ethical responsibility includes fighting against systemic injustice, as passivity allows oppression to persist.
Sartre also advocated for political responsibility, stating that individuals cannot claim to be free while ignoring the suffering of others. He supported anti-colonial movements and criticized authoritarian regimes, emphasizing that ethical living requires taking a stand against oppression. In modern activism, existentialist ethics provides a philosophical foundation for social justice movements, encouraging individuals to resist injustice and assert their freedom.
#5. Workplace & Professional Ethics
Existentialist ethics applies to professional life by emphasizing authenticity and personal responsibility in the workplace. Employees who conform to rigid corporate expectations without question may experience bad faith, where they suppress their true values for job security. Sartre’s philosophy suggests that workers should actively shape their professional identities rather than allowing external forces to dictate their roles.
Additionally, existentialist ethics promotes integrity and accountability in decision-making. Ethical professionals take responsibility for their actions, rather than blaming hierarchy or company policy. In fields such as medicine, law, and business, existentialist principles encourage individuals to prioritize moral responsibility over blind adherence to rules.
#6. Education & Self-Directed Learning
Existentialist thought influences education by advocating for student-centered learning. Traditional education models often impose standardized knowledge, limiting personal exploration. In contrast, existentialist educators such as Paulo Freire emphasized critical consciousness, encouraging students to question and define their own intellectual paths.
In self-directed learning, individuals take responsibility for their education rather than passively absorbing information. This approach fosters independent thinking, creativity, and a sense of personal ownership over knowledge. Existentialist ethics argues that true learning happens when students actively engage with ideas rather than memorizing facts dictated by authority figures.
#7. Ethical Consumerism & Environmental Responsibility
Existentialist ethics challenges individuals to take responsibility for their consumption choices. In a world driven by mass production and consumer culture, many people act passively, ignoring the ethical implications of their purchases. Sartre’s emphasis on radical freedom suggests that individuals must critically evaluate the industries they support.
This applies to environmental ethics as well. Many existentialist thinkers reject the idea that humans are passive observers of ecological destruction. Instead, they argue that people must actively shape a more sustainable world. Ethical consumerism means choosing products that align with one’s moral beliefs, whether that involves supporting fair trade, reducing waste, or advocating for environmental policies.
#8. Freedom of Thought & Religious Belief
Existentialist ethics supports freedom of belief, whether religious or secular. While Sartre and Nietzsche were atheists, they argued that individuals should consciously choose their beliefs rather than inheriting them unquestioningly. Nietzsche’s declaration that “God is dead” was not an attack on religion itself but a call for individuals to take responsibility for their own moral frameworks.
This idea applies to both believers and non-believers. Existentialist ethics does not prescribe what to believe but insists that belief must be authentic and personally chosen. Whether one adheres to a religion or embraces atheism, existentialism demands intellectual honesty and personal accountability.
#9. End-of-Life Ethics & Medical Decision-Making
Existentialist ethics plays a crucial role in medical decision-making, particularly in end-of-life care. Issues such as euthanasia, palliative care, and patients’ rights align with existentialist concerns about autonomy and personal choice. Sartre’s belief in radical freedom suggests that individuals should have control over their own death, making informed choices without coercion.
This perspective challenges paternalistic medical practices that impose decisions on patients without considering their wishes. Instead, existentialist ethics promotes patient-centered care, ensuring that individuals have the freedom to decide how they approach death, dignity, and medical interventions. Ethical decision-making in healthcare should prioritize autonomy, informed consent, and the right to die with dignity.
#10. Art, Literature, & Creative Expression
Existentialist themes are deeply embedded in literature, art, and creative expression. Writers like Dostoevsky, Camus, and Sartre used fiction to explore existentialist ethics, illustrating how individuals confront freedom, moral ambiguity, and authenticity. In The Stranger, Camus depicts a protagonist who rejects societal norms, challenging readers to question their own moral assumptions.
In the arts, existentialism supports creative freedom and self-expression. Authentic art resists commercialization and mass conformity, reflecting the creator’s true vision rather than external expectations. This philosophy encourages artists, writers, and filmmakers to engage deeply with existential themes, using their work to explore questions of identity, morality, and the human condition.
Closing Thoughts
Existentialist ethics challenges individuals to take full responsibility for their choices, actions, and beliefs. Unlike traditional moral systems that rely on external rules or absolute truths, existentialism emphasizes freedom, authenticity, and personal meaning. This philosophy insists that ethics is not about following predetermined moral codes but about actively shaping one’s values through lived experience.
From personal identity to social justice, artificial intelligence, and end-of-life decisions, existentialist ethics remains relevant in modern life. It pushes individuals to confront difficult questions and embrace the responsibility of ethical decision-making. Ultimately, existentialism demands not just reflection but engagement—urging people to live authentically and with purpose.