Evaluating the Principle of “Existence Precedes Essence” in Sartre’s Anthropology with an Emphasis on Sadrian Philosophy and Martyr Beheshti’s Thought

The comparison of the primacy of existence in existential philosophy and Transcendent Wisdom has been an intriguing topic for researchers. However, this study focuses on the principle of “existence precedes essence” or the primacy of existence in Jean-Paul Sartre’s philosophy, addressing the anthropological dimension of this view. Instead of mere comparison, this study undertakes the evaluation and judgment of this view within the paradigm of Sadrian philosophy, by looking at Martyr Beheshti's works. This study indicates that the principle “the primacy of existence” is merely a homonymous term between Sartre’s philosophy and Sadrian philosophy. Nevertheless, some of the proven themes in Sartre’s anthropology, derived from this principle, are also endorsed by transcendent wisdom. The most significant similarities between these two philosophical systems are the flexibility of human nature and the essential differences among individuals. On the other hand, the most significant ones include the indefinability of humans, the denial of innate nature (fiṭra), and human freedom from divine will in Sartre’s anthropology, which contrasts with the views in Sadrian anthropology and Martyr Beheshti’s thought. This study, which uses a descriptive-analytical method, after explaining the principle of “existence precedes essence” in Sartre’s thought with a focus on his anthropology, critiques it within the framework of Sadrian philosophy and examines the common and differing points.