Sociality, Seriousness, and Cynicism: A Response to Ronald Santoni on Bad Faith. Issue 1 (1st June 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Webber, Jonathan
• Is Part Of: Sartre studies international. Volume 26:Issue 1(2020)
• Page Start: 61
• Page End: 76
• Publication Date: 2020-06-01
• Subjects: authenticity -- freedom -- good faith -- reasons -- reflection -- sincerity; Philosophy, French -- 20th century -- Periodicals; French literature -- 20th century -- Periodicals; Criticism and interpretation -- Periodicals; 194
• DOI: 10.3167/ssi.2020.260106
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1357-1559

Abstract

Abstract: This article is a clarification and development of my interpretation of Sartre's theory of bad faith in response to Ronald Santoni's sophisticated critique, published in this issue. It begins by clarifying Sartre's conception of a project and explaining his claim that one project is fundamental, thereby elucidating the idea that bad faith is a fundamental project. This forms the groundwork of my responses to Santoni's critique of my interpretation, which comprises four arguments: Sartre does not consider us to be ontologically and congenitally disposed to bad faith; Santoni is right that social pressure cannot explain the prevalence of bad faith, but this is a problem with Sartre's theory rather than a problem for my interpretation of it; Sartre's conception of seriousness is merely an optional strategy of bad faith; and Sartre is right to deny that bad faith is an inherently cynical project.