Q: Explain Sartre's idea of freedom and compare that to Walter Benjamin's notion of "aura" and 'authenticity".
A: Sartre believes that we are condemned to be free. He syas that we were thrown into this world but now we are responsible for everything that we do; Sartre does not believe in determinism. How this connects to Walter Benjamin- because we make our own choices, we are unique/authentic, just like an artwork's aura makes it authentic. (Is this a right argument?)
A painting's aura encompasses all the things which have brought it to the point it's currently at. The presentation, the history, and so forth are all aspects of the aura. The painting does not enter the world with a defined place ("meaning"/"purpose"), but gains one much in the same way Sartre believes humans do.
Yes, that is a valid argument comparing Sartre's idea of freedom to Walter Benjamin's notion of "aura" and "authenticity." Let's break it down further to understand these concepts better:
Sartre's idea of freedom revolves around the concept of existentialism. He argues that human beings are condemned to be free, meaning that while we did not choose to be born, we are responsible for our actions and the choices we make. Sartre rejects determinism, the belief that our actions are predetermined, and instead emphasizes our ability to choose and shape our own existence. This freedom comes with a great responsibility, as we are fully accountable for our actions in the world.
Now let's look at Walter Benjamin's notion of "aura" and "authenticity." Benjamin was a German philosopher and cultural critic who explored the impact of technology and mass production on art. He believed that original artworks possess a certain "aura" that makes them unique and authentic. This aura is a sense of presence and authenticity that is diminished when an artwork is reproduced or mass-produced. According to Benjamin, an original artwork carries the history and aura of its creation, which gives it a special value and meaning.
In comparing the ideas of Sartre and Benjamin, we can draw a connection between their concepts of individuality and authenticity. Sartre's notion of freedom asserts that we are responsible for our choices, which makes each individual unique. Similarly, Benjamin's idea of aura suggests that original artworks possess a distinct authenticity that is tied to their uniqueness and history. Both philosophers highlight the value of individuality and the importance of embracing one's own personal freedom and authentic expression.
By examining the connection between Sartre's idea of freedom and Benjamin's notion of "aura" and "authenticity," we can see how their perspectives converge on the significance of individuality and the responsibility of making choices in shaping our lives.