Single Idea 6571

[catalogued under 23. Ethics / F. Existentialism / 7. Existential Action]

Full Idea

When a young man must choose between his bereft mother and the French Resistance, Sartre says no moral theory is capable of resolving the dilemma; the man must act on his own, and in the process define his moral character.

Gist of Idea

When a man must choose between his mother and the Resistance, no theory can help

Source

report of Jean-Paul Sartre (Existentialism and Humanism [1945], p.35-9) by Robert Fogelin - Walking the Tightrope of Reason Ch.2

Book Reference

Fogelin,Robert: 'Walking the Tightrope of Reason' [OUP 2004], p.61


A Reaction

Fogelin agrees, but rejects Sartre's claim that all morality is like this. I agree with Fogelin. However, what I like is the idea of 'defining one's moral character' by choices, but that is because it endorses the views of Aristotle (e.g. Idea 4394).

Related Idea

Idea 4394 People develop their characters through the activities they pursue [Aristotle]