Abstract

The thesis explores the development of Sartre's thought, in relation to the evolution of his views on freedom. The analysis moves from an examination of Sartre's early works up to and including Being and Nothingness, through Sartre's middle period, to the later works, beginning with the Marxist-influenced Search for a Method. ;The early works, it is argued, represent a radical view of human freedom, with the spontaneity of consciousness connoting 'creation ex nihilo' and the internal negation of the given. While representing a powerful defense of freedom and choice as essential human capacities, the emphasis on formal choice leaves the moral/political dimension of Sartre's freedom, which is discernible 'in embryo' from the very beginning,--particularly in the literature--without theoretical substantiation. The notions of bad faith and authenticity lay the foundation for Sartre's development, but their manifestation in the early works lacks moral and political 'content'. Sartre's radical freedom is too removed from its socio/historical context, and comes across, at least from a theoretical standpoint, as normatively insubstantial. ;Sartre himself criticized his early works, in pointing out that freedom lacked in 'content'. Critics have often failed to appreciate the extent to which Sartre's project involves supplying this 'content' during the course of his development,--which is marked by a confrontation with 'history' and 'orthodox' Marxism--as he comes to flesh out the moral, social, and political dimensions of freedom. Sartre's project does represent a lifelong commitment to freedom, but in the final analysis, the allegiance is to a deeper understanding of freedom than many have acknowledged. ;Sartre's continuing relevance for political theory stems from his view of freedom as central to a modern understanding of humanity