Introduction
Atheistic existentialism assumes a row of varied conceptions which are mainly characterized by the central idea of atheism. This theory argues that God does not exist; but this is not the reason for bad conduct. As far as I am concerned, this theory is not valid in the explanation of a row of important issues existing in the Universe with regards to the Creator, and all the moral issues connected to it. I believe, this theory is just an effort to excuse people’s conduct and their unwillingness to recognize God as a Supreme Absolute of the Universe. The other feature of this theory which I find to be inconsistent is the encouragement to act morally even without recognition that people are accountable to someone; actually, not many people will succeed in finding so much self-control that might enable them to act righteously just out of their kind motives. The theory of atheistic existentialism can be evaluated as having a row of blind passes including bad motivation for people to reject their moral and spiritual principles, and to engage in the pursuit for materialistic values which seem to bring few real joy and happiness to them, and also to rob them out of real satisfaction in their lives.
The main statements of the theory of atheistic existentialism
Speaking about the theory of atheistic existentialism, I would, first of all, mention Jean-Paul Sartre as the main figure who developed this way of thinking and was among those who actively proclaimed this theory into the masses. To understand this theory it is important to address the works of this philosopher where he establishes a variety of generic ideas of atheistic existentialism. First of all, in his works Sartre argues that human “existence precedes essence” (311). In addition, he develops the concepts of
“Being-for-itself (human consciousness) and being-in-itself” (Anderson 3). Further, Sartre describes consciousness as “consubstantial and content less, that is, as entirely activity and spontaneity, self-determining, self-activated and, therefore, free” (Anderson 7). Next, Sartre states that “being-in-itself, on the other hand, is passive and inert, so identical with itself and filled with being that it is a totally undifferentiated, full positivity of being” (Anderson 9). Sartre claims that “consciousness is related to being inasmuch as it exists only as consciousness of being” (Anderson 9). He adds that “being in itself has no relation with consciousness nor, strictly speaking, even with itself. It simply “is itself‟ and “glued to itself‟ as a full positivity of being” (Anderson 10). What is more, according to him atheism is the source of motivation for having no objective values. This suggests that he simply robs people out of some values and principles of theirs, and offers nothing instead as atheism is an empty pursuit having nothing inside and outside itself.
Sartre’s role
According to the theory of atheistic existentialism developed by Sartre,
There is no God to create or decree anything to be of value. The [atheistic]
existentialist…thinks it very distressing that God does not exist, because all
possibility of finding values in a heaven of ideas disappears along with Him….
Nowhere is it written that the good exists, that we must be honest, that we must
not lie, because the fact is we are now on a plane where there are only men
(Anderson 12).
Sartre’s beliefs which formed the basis for the theory of atheistic existentialism
Furthermore, Sartre also cited Dostoevsky who said, “If God did not exist, everything would be permitted” (Anderson 13). And as a result of this belief the other nebulous idea originated that everything is allowed and permitted if there is no God.
Personal reflections on the theory under consideration
Evaluating the theory of atheistic existentialism, I would say that it is a dangerous theory as it robs people out of their spiritual values that they carefully cherished for centuries. Such robbery, in turn, results into moral and spiritual breakdown. People become materialistically obsessed, and that is something that will never bring the harmony of happiness to them as material values proved to be vanity and an effort to catch the wind. The example of these people and the situation which has occurred in the world nowadays proves that humanity suffers from moral and spiritual breakdown being a victim of such ruining theories as the theory of atheistic existentialism.
Conclusion
As a final point, the theory of atheistic existentialism assumes that there exists no God, and, thus, no reason to keep certain moral and spiritual values. However, it also argues that the absence of God does not allow people to act immorally. This theory argues that people should be motivated to act in a dignified way simply out of some noble reasons. Jean-Paul Sartre is the main figure who developed this way of thinking and was among those who actively proclaimed this theory into the masses. Since the establishment of this theory there appeared many people who adopted its principles, and actually there were so many of such people before. The example of these people and the situation which has occurred in the world nowadays proves that they suffer from moral and spiritual breakdown being victims of such ruining theories as the theory of atheistic existentialism.
Works Cited
Anderson, Thomas. “Atheistic and Christian Existentialism: A Comparison of Sartre and Marcel”. Marquette University (2010): 1–21.
Sartre, Jean-Paul. “The Humanism of Existentialism”. Essays in Existentialism (1972): 315-386.