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{{Infobox_person
| name = Jean-Paul Sartre
| image = Bg,f8f8f8-flat,750x,075,f-pad,750x1000,f8f8f8.jpg
| born = 21 June 1905
| died = 15 April 1980
| nationality = French
| occupation = Philosopher; writer; playwright
| known_for = Existentialism; phenomenology; political philosophy
| notable_work = ''Being and Nothingness''; ''Nausea''; ''No Exit''
}}


'''Jean-Paul Sartre''' (1905–1980) was a French philosopher, writer, and playwright whose work played a central role in the development of twentieth-century existentialism. He explored questions of freedom, responsibility, consciousness, and human meaning in a world without predetermined purpose.

Sartre’s philosophy emphasized the primacy of individual choice and the idea that humans are responsible for creating meaning through action.

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== Early life and education ==
Jean-Paul Sartre was born in Paris, France. He studied philosophy at the École Normale Supérieure, where he was trained in phenomenology and classical philosophy.

During this period, he formed intellectual relationships that influenced his later philosophical and literary work.

== Existentialism ==
Sartre argued that existence precedes essence, meaning that individuals are not born with a fixed nature but define themselves through choices and actions. This view placed freedom at the center of human existence.

He maintained that individuals are fully responsible for their actions and for the values they adopt.

== Phenomenology and consciousness ==
Influenced by phenomenology, Sartre examined consciousness as intentional and directed toward the world. He distinguished between different modes of being, including being-in-itself and being-for-itself.

These distinctions formed the basis of his analysis of selfhood, freedom, and bad faith.

== Literature and drama ==
Sartre expressed philosophical ideas through novels and plays as well as through theoretical writing. Works such as ''Nausea'' and ''No Exit'' dramatized existential themes in narrative and theatrical form.

His literary output expanded the reach of existential philosophy beyond academic audiences.

== Political engagement ==
Sartre was actively engaged in political and social debates throughout his life. He addressed issues such as colonialism, class struggle, and responsibility in public intellectual life.

His political positions evolved over time and remain subject to critical assessment.

== Later life ==
Sartre continued writing and public engagement despite declining health. He declined the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1964, citing concerns about institutional recognition.

He died in 1980.

== Legacy ==
Jean-Paul Sartre’s work influenced philosophy, literature, political theory, and cultural criticism. His emphasis on freedom and responsibility remains central to existential thought.

Sartre is regarded as one of the most prominent intellectual figures of the twentieth century.