Understanding individual freedom through Jean-Paul Sartre

Abstract

This thesis tries to examine the concept of freedom through Jean-Paul Sartre's existentialist philosophy, emphasizing the belief that “existence precedes essence.” Sartre believes that individuals are not born with a fixed nature. They should define themselves through conscious choices and personal responsibilities. Based on this, this paper looks at Sartre’s notable works such as Being and Nothingness, Existentialism Is a Humanism, and No Exit. To understand ideas such as radical freedom, bad faith, authenticity, and anguish. The study uses a qualitative research method to analyze Sartre's impact on both philosophical thought and global sociopolitical movements. This includes the Algerian War of Independence, the 1968 French protests, and the 2024 Bangladesh student resistance. This paper also looks at contemporary context marked by surveillance, inequality, and political repression to understand Sartre's idea of “freedom" offering a powerful lens through which one can understand freedom not as mere liberty but as a moral responsibility to live authentically.