Final answer:
Jean-Paul Sartre believed that human beings have an almost boundless scope of freedom that is central to their existence, which brings with it an overwhelming sense of responsibility.
Step-by-step explanation:
Jean-Paul Sartre, a prominent figure in existential philosophy, postulated that our scope of freedom is vastly expansive, to the point where it defines our very existence.
According to Sartre, we are condemned to be free, a condition that means we have ultimate responsibility for our actions, regardless of our circumstances.
Sartre's view of freedom is not just the absence of constraints but an inherent feature of our being, leading to an intense sense of responsibility and often causing existential distress.
Sartre's existentialist views claim that our freedom is so intrinsic that it can at times be overwhelming, producing feelings of fear and trembling and nausea. This perspective underscores not only the liberty to make choices but also the responsibility that comes with that liberty.
He believed that while our situations might influence us, they never completely determine our choices; we are always responsible for what we make of ourselves within these contexts.
Moreover, Sartre's existentialist philosophy engages deeply with the concept of personal choice and its limits. The liberty of individuals is seen as paramount, but Sartre recognizes that freedoms have boundaries, especially when they impinge on the freedoms of others.
Hence, true freedom is not merely about doing as one pleases but navigating the complex relationship between individual agency and collective responsibility.