The philosophical tradition holding that existence precedes essence — there is no fixed human nature, individuals are radically free and responsible for creating themselves and their values.
Sartre's formula: 'existence precedes essence' — unlike manufactured objects (whose essence precedes existence), humans exist first and define themselves through choices. Radical freedom: humans are 'condemned to be free' — they cannot escape choice or responsibility. Bad faith: the self-deception by which individuals deny their freedom and pretend they are determined by their nature or role. Heidegger's Dasein: being-in-the-world as the fundamental human condition; authenticity vs. das Man (conformity to the crowd). Kierkegaard's leap: existence before system, subjectivity as truth.
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