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(1905–1980) is arguably the best known philosopher of the
twentieth century. His indefatigable pursuit of philosophical
reflection, literary creativity and, in the second half of his
life, active political commitment gained him worldwide renown,
if not admiration. He is commonly considered the father of
Existentialist philosophy, whose writings set the tone for
intellectual life in the decade immediately following the Second
World War. Among the many ironies that permeate his life, not
the least is the immense popularity of his scandalous public
lecture “Existentialism is a Humanism,” delivered to an
enthusiastic Parisian crowd October 28, 1945. Though taken as a
quasi manifesto for the Existentialist movement, the transcript
of this lecture was the only publication that Sartre openly
regretted seeing in print. And yet it continues to be the major
introduction to his philosophy for the general public. One of
the reasons both for its popularity and