Philosophy Series - Existentialism - Jean Paul Sartre

“Existence precedes essence”

Join us for a discussion of Existentialism Is a Humanism, the influential essay by Jean-Paul Sartre that introduced existentialist ideas to a broad audience.

In this accessible and thought-provoking work, Sartre argues that human beings are not born with a predetermined purpose; instead, we create meaning through our choices and actions.

Together, we’ll explore questions that remain surprisingly relevant today:

What does it mean to be free? How much responsibility do we have for our lives and the world around us? Can we create meaning in an uncertain world? What type of ethics can be made from this philosophy?

Whether you’re new to philosophy or a longtime reader, this discussion will offer a chance to engage with a classic text and share perspectives on freedom, authenticity, responsibility, and what it means to live a meaningful life.

Text (pdf): various texts

Open esp.mit.edu

Open marxists.org

Details: 🗓️ Date: Sunday September 27, 2026 🕐 Time: 1:00PM - 3:00PM 📍Location: UBC Learning Exchange 612 Main St, Vancouver, BC V6A 2V3