How People's Actions Define Who They Are: from Socrates to Sartre's Philosophy

A major philosophical debate exists between the modern thinker Jean-Paul Sartre and the ancient philosopher Socrates regarding the nature of human existence and the unfolding of life. Central to this discourse is the question of whether our choices determine our future or if our lives are preordained, leaving us to navigate a predetermined path. In Sartre's play No Exit, we encounter three characters—Garcin, Inez, and Estelle—who find themselves in hell, compelled to confront their past actions and the life choices that have led them to their current predicament. Both philosophers maintain strict positions on the nature of human agency, and the characters in Sartre's drama oscillate between agreement and disagreement with these philosophies. They perceive their existence as manipulated by a malevolent force, believing that the devil has orchestrated their suffering (Sartre 2559). In contrast, Sartre and Socrates would argue against this fatalistic view, emphasizing that our choices are what ultimately shape our identities and destinies.

Garcin: The Illusion of Innocence

Sartre and Socrates would critique Garcin, a journalist for a pacifist newspaper, for his misguided belief that he is in hell due to a mere twist of fate rather than his own actions. Garcin asserts that he has committed no wrongs and insists he stood by his principles when he refused to fight, only to be shot (Sartre 2549). However, his so-called moral stance is undermined by the fact that he fled from combat, showcasing cowardice rather than courage. His attempts to maintain a facade of nobility reflect a deeper deception, as he tries to manipulate the perceptions of his fellow inhabitants. Socrates would likely admonish Garcin for his preoccupation with the opinions of others, as he famously stated, “Why should we care so much for what the majority think? The most reasonable people, to whom one should pay more attention, will believe that things were done as they were done” (Plato 45). This perspective reinforces the notion that Garcin’s actions are what led him to his current state, and he must accept the consequences of his choices instead of attempting to deceive others about his true character.

Furthermore, Garcin's treatment of his wife exemplifies his moral failings. He not only cheated on her but also subjected her to servitude, demanding breakfast from her while blaming her for his infidelity (Sartre 2555). Such behavior highlights his inherent flaws and provides additional evidence of why he finds himself in hell. Sartre, in Twelve Theories of Human Nature, posits that a person is in bad faith when they deny their true nature (Sartre 236). Garcin's refusal to take responsibility for his actions exemplifies this concept; he deflects blame onto others while neglecting to acknowledge his own culpability.

Estelle: The Mask of Innocence

Estelle, another resident of Sartre's hell, also represents the struggle to reconcile one's actions with one's identity. When asked about the reasons for her damnation, she claims, “As I told you, I haven’t a notion. I rack my brain, but it’s no use” (Sartre 2557). This evasion indicates her unwillingness to confront her true self, as she desperately tries to mask her monstrous past. Eventually, she reveals her heinous actions, including the murder of her baby and the driving of a man to suicide. In Twelve Theories of Human Nature, Sartre argues that true freedom cannot exist if one is in denial about their identity (Sartre 235). Estelle's insistence on viewing herself as a virtuous young woman while concealing her dark deeds demonstrates her self-deception. Until she acknowledges her reality, she remains trapped, devoid of the freedom to choose and define herself authentically.

Socrates would similarly criticize Estelle for her misguided perception of knowledge. He once stated that those who believe they possess greater wisdom than they truly do are fools (Plato 25). Estelle exemplifies this folly by attempting to project an image of innocence while hiding her guilt. Ultimately, her inability to confront her past culminates in her death from pneumonia, a consequence of her unresolved guilt and moral failings (Sartre 2558). This outcome reinforces the idea that her choices dictated her fate, leading her to a tragic end.

Inez: Acceptance and Responsibility

In contrast to Garcin and Estelle, Inez recognizes that her actions have shaped her life and led her to her current situation. As a post-office clerk, she tortured her lover, leading to the woman's eventual demise (Sartre 2556). Inez's realization of her past transgressions aligns with Socratic philosophy, which emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and the ability to change one's ways. Socrates asserts, “It is much more difficult to avoid wickedness, for it runs faster than death” (Plato 40). Inez's acknowledgment of her wrongdoing demonstrates her capacity for introspection and change, even if she remains unrepentant. Sartre commends this acceptance of responsibility, stating, “We must accept our responsibility for everything about ourselves—not just our actions, but our attitudes, emotions, and characters” (Sartre 239). However, while Inez accepts her role in her own damnation, her actions remain morally reprehensible, reinforcing the idea that choices carry weight and consequences.

Conclusion

Through the lens of Sartre's No Exit, we see how the actions of Garcin, Estelle, and Inez dictate the course of their lives and the nature of their existence in the afterlife. Their decisions not only shaped their earthly experiences but continue to haunt them in eternity, despite their belief in a predetermined fate. The philosophies of Socrates and Sartre illuminate the fallacy of believing that life is merely scripted, underscoring the importance of personal accountability. Ultimately, the characters' journeys reveal that individuals must confront the consequences of their actions and accept the roles they play in defining who they are.

References

• Sartre, Jean-Paul. No Exit. Translated by Stuart Gilbert, Vintage, 1989.
• Sartre, Jean-Paul. Twelve Theories of Human Nature. Yale University Press, 2004.
• Plato. The Trial and Death of Socrates. Translated by Benjamin Jowett, Dover Publications, 2000.