being-for-others
The notion that the self's existence and identity are fundamentally influenced and constituted through the presence and recognition of the Other.
2 chapters across 1 book
Being and Nothingness (1943)Jean-Paul Sartre
In "Chapter 1: The Other’s Existence," Sartre explores the complex relationship between the self and the Other, emphasizing the ontological and phenomenological implications of encountering another consciousness. He draws on philosophical traditions including Kant, Hegel, Heidegger, and phenomenology to analyze how the presence of the Other challenges and shapes the self's being-for-itself, highlighting themes of self-consciousness, alienation, and intersubjectivity. The chapter also includes extensive commentary and notes that clarify Sartre's references and terminology, underscoring the philosophical depth and interdisciplinary nature of his inquiry.
In Chapter 3: Concrete Relations with the Other, Sartre explores the dynamics of interpersonal relationships, particularly focusing on the role of desire, the gaze, and the body in constituting self and otherness. He examines how love and sexual relations reveal the tension between subjectivity and objectification, highlighting the complexity of being-for-others and the interplay between freedom and constraint. The chapter also engages with philosophical and literary references to elucidate how the presence of the Other shapes individual existence and social interactions.