Final answer:
French postmodernists questioned traditional Reason and proposed post-rational criticism that accepts multiple realities. They advocated for an existentialist approach to life, wherein humans are free to create their own meanings and values within their social contexts, emphasizing the subjective nature of human experience.
Step-by-step explanation:
The French postmodernists of the 1960s, in their quest for emancipation, proposed an alternative to Reason by recognizing the radical freedom and subjectivity of human experience. They challenged the belief in a single, universal reality, instead suggesting that multiple realities could exist simultaneously. This position stems from a rejection of the totality of the philosophical tradition and embraces a form of thinking known as post-rational criticism.
In lieu of traditional metaphysics and philosophy, postmodernists like Jean-Paul Sartre emphasized the core existentialist belief that "existence precedes essence," which implies that humans define their own essence through experiences, decisions, and actions rather than inheriting fixed traits or adhering to predetermined roles or truths. Morality and ethics, according to existential and pragmatic thought, are not universal constants but are shaped by human decision-making within a social framework. This underscores the influence of social and cultural environments on the human condition.
Ultimately, French postmodernists called for an acceptance of the role of human emotions, recognized the limitations of human reason, and invited individuals to construct their own ethical principles and meanings in life, acknowledging the profound responsibility and freedom that come with this task