As theorized by Sartre, living in "bad faith" is a form of self-deception that most generally means that one defines him/herself's existence through the social circumstances and appearances that surround them. When we judge ourselves relative to existence based on what Sartre believes to be the trivialities of life and that which we seemingly cannot surmount...we are classified as being of especially bad faith. If we score well on a philosophy test, and are positively overjoyed to have done so well--we are living in bad faith. When we don't do well, and begin to approach that failing grade...and the depressing thoughts begin to wallow within our minds--we are too living in bad faith.
Ultimately, Sartre suggests that the only way to escape "bad faith" is to realize that perception and existence are separate.
Does being in "bad faith", however, inevitably to a morose life of unhappiness? Does the rich banker care if his life is entirely based on his earnings if he's always in the top bracket? What of the poor McDonalds manager who places the same emphasis on money but conversely suffers a distinct lack of it?
Does Sartre's theory have any basis in modern society for you? How would you personally go about living in better faith?
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Sartre had a point, but I don't know if I would live my life based on his idea of better faith. Aristotle's chart on the golden mean is much clearer. Aristotle seems to have the most applicable ideas of all the philosophers we have studied because his ideas were outlined in the clearest manner.
ReplyDeletehmm....while society does seem to be against our "freedom" I think there is still a place for better faith. I think having a tranquil activity or setting where you can just let your mind wander would probably benefit and make for a more balanced person because yes it is very easy to get caught up in materialism but in having a hobby I suppose you would quite literally be able to "break free" supposing you weren't constricted by anything, but then again I don't think anyone is completly free so that would probably still be the best bet and when you have reality you deal with it and take it in stride and when you can go back to whatver it was that separates you from the world.
ReplyDeleteI hate to admit it, but it seems I am constantly living in bad faith. Learning to not live in bad faith is my lesson right now in life. I am quite concerned with societal influences, and I put pressures on myself higher then anyone puts on me through potential or other. Well thats not entirely true, I lack in many areas the pressure or will to succeed and cannot stand "failure" in other ways.
ReplyDeleteI think for me as well, following Aristotle's chart of virtue is what will guide me toward living in better faith. As it is right now I live a life of extremes, and as I said the first day of class I want to live a life of balance, that will make me happy. I need to develop my courageous attitude and let go of my cowardices boundaries I have set for myself. But I have, as Aristotle would say,'clear knowledge' of what I am doing and I do spend much of my life in contemplation, why is it so difficult to live a life of virtue or in good faith?
I think this relates back to the value of philosophy, as it is all personal. I set limitation for myself and I choose to, in some way, live in bad faith. I strive for balance, but end up enjoying excess or deficiency (for the brief time it surfaces). The banker you mentioned above is only as happy as his balanced self.
I think the best way for me to go about living in better faith is by living in the present and altering my mindset to appreciate what I, me, myself has at this moment in time. That way I cannot go about comparing myself to others, as what they have or who they are is only left to my personal perception.
Living in good faith starts from within. Taking steps toward balancing reason and desires.
As per Good Faith: One of ethics concerns is how to live a good life and involves a morally proper life(most think) but it may involve other activities that do not involve morality. Plato believed that the good life involved the search for truth, as well as good behaviour.
ReplyDeleteI seems almost surmountable that we live in bad faith. Everything we do, good or bad, selfless or selfish, we can't get around living in bad faith.
ReplyDeleteNow, if we are able to apply moderation, as Aristotle believes is the right way to living; meeting at the middle and never going to the two extremes, then yes, maybe it is possible to be living in good faith.
But for Sartre, he doesn't seem to deem a quality of moderation or having a middle ground, it's simply one or the other, which makes his theory improbably to live by.
As Kristen said, following Aristotle's guide would be the best possible solution to attaining good faith and becoming a better person.
I have never been a fan of Sartre’s theory of ‘bad faith’ and here is why:
ReplyDeleteIf you cannot be on the “extreme” of anything, what is the point of living life? You do not quite “live” if all you experience are mediocre emotions. If you cannot feel happiness nor sadness, then how is it different from not being alive at all?
I believe that the concept was invented in order to keep ourselves from falling to the extremes, but who’s to say what is extreme and what is not? Isn’t every situation different? Would it not be strange if you were not sad during a funeral (because it was “bad faith”) or happy during your retirement?
Personally, I would not change the way I live to go out of the way to fulfill a theory I do not believe in.
I would spend money to support the environment and the economy equally, because they're both equally important.
ReplyDeleteAm I living in bad faith for buying upcycled things?
Anyone still around? 2019 over here.