In existential thought, “freedom, choice, and responsibility” are inseparable. This triad is central to existential philosophy because it captures both the burden and the dignity of human existence. Existentialists accept that we are radically free to make choices. Sartre famously declared we are “condemned to be free.” Freedom, however, carries with it “the burdens of responsibility.” Freedom of choice has a temporal relationship with uncertainty, which in turn creates at least a modicum of anxiety because we can rarely be certain of the outcome of any choice and cannot authentically escape the responsibility for the choice made. Existentially oriented psychotherapy often explores how clients either attempt to evade responsibility for their choices or courageously embrace them.
Freedom
Many existentialists, for example Sartre and Camus, argue that there is no fixed human nature or divine blueprint for one’s life. Sartre argued that “existence precedes essence”, meaning that we exist first, then define ourselves through action, the choices that we make that manifest in behavior. We are born into conditions we did not choose (our “facticity”), and we can transcend those conditions by the way we shape and reshape our lives through exercising our freedom of choice. “Facticity” refers to the circumstances into which we are born over which we have no control (e.g., geographical location, culture, society, race, ethnicity, sex, etc.) Sartre’s idea of “radical freedom” means there are no ultimate authorities (e.g., religious, metaphysical tradition, governmental, circumstances), that dictate or control our freedom. That is why with grit and determination, anyone from any background can rise in the ranks and become successful in the USA. That’s why America is the top country of origin for self-made millionaires and billionaires. Success does not depend on “facticity” alone, it ultimately depends on the choices that one makes over a long period of time that impact, but does not guarantee, transcending the circumstances into which one is born.
Choice
Every choice we make contributes to who we are. Sartre emphasized that by choosing, we demonstrate our values. Because there are no predetermined values, each choice reflects and demonstrates what we value. Thus, our choices reveal our character both to ourselves and to others. Individuals whom we define as authentic own their choices, while those who are inauthentic deny their freedom by conforming to social norms or by hiding behind excuses.
Responsibility
With freedom and choice comes responsibility. Sartre insisted that we are “condemned to be free” and therefore cannot escape responsibility for our choices. Victor Frankl observed that just as in America there is a Statue of Liberty on the East Coast, we need a Statue of Responsibility on the West Coast because freedom without responsibility leads to anarchy and/or nihilism.
Each choice is not just personal but projects a vision of humanity. Choosing dishonestly or destructively means endorsing those values for others. For existentialists if there is no external morality, we must take ownership of the values we enact. Ethics in existential thought emerges from acceptance of responsibility.
The Significance of Freedom, Choice and Responsibility in Existential Thought
Freedom, choice, and responsibility are the conditions for authentic existence. To live authentically is to embrace freedom, make deliberate choices, and accept responsibility for those choices. They are the tools by which humans create meaning in an otherwise indifferent universe. This triad gives us the ability to shape ourselves and the world we inhabit, even in the face of absurdity. This triad then is the source of human dignity. Though freedom produces anxiety as a result of the uncertainty associated with outcome, it also opens the possibility of creativity, love, and moral commitment. This triad is both the burden and the potential of existence; it grounds authenticity, meaning, and ethical responsibility in a world without predetermined essence.
The Consequences of Denying Freedom, Choice, and Responsibility
In existential thought, failing to come to terms with freedom, choice, and responsibility leads to inauthenticity, self-deception, and, ultimately, despair. Existentialists insist that humans are fundamentally free, condemned to choose, and responsible for those choices. When individuals deny or flee from this reality, several consequences become manifest.
Kierkegaard saw despair as the refusal to embrace freedom and responsibility before God or existence. Through denying choice, individuals either resign themselves to meaninglessness or cling to illusions of certainty, both of which prevent authentic faith or commitment. Nietzsche warned that denying responsibility for our choices can lead to nihilism, the collapse of values and the belief that life is meaningless. Heidegger argued that avoiding responsibility leads to living conforming to social norms and distractions. Instead of owning their finite existence, individuals passively drift, never grasping life as their own project. Without embracing the freedom to create values, individuals may fall into apathy, cynicism, or destructive impulses.
Sartre described “bad faith” (Fr., “Mauvais Foi”) as the refusal to acknowledge one’s freedom. Examples of “bad faith” include pretending one’s role or circumstances fully determine one’s identity (“I’m just a waiter, nothing more”) or blaming external forces for the choices one makes or the facticity into which one is born. Self-deception may temporarily shield an individual from anxiety but robs them of authenticity. Existential psychology emphasizes that freedom and responsibility are the conditions for growth. Denying them results in stagnation, dependence, and a lack of genuine selfhood, leading individuals to feel trapped, powerless, or alienated, since they refuse to own their capacity to shape life.
In summary: In existential thought, not coming to terms with freedom, choice, and responsibility leads to bad faith, inauthenticity, despair, and nihilism. Acceptance of this triad, though anxiety-inducing, is the path to authenticity, creativity, and meaningful existence.
Why Acceptance of Freedom Choice and Responsibility Matters
This triad affirms that humans are self-defining beings. Every choice shapes our identity and reveals our values.