21, July 2025

Man and Being: Exploring the Idea of Man in Rabindranath Tagore and Jean -Paul Sartre

Author(s): Dr.Mausumi Bose

Authors Affiliations:

Associate Professor, Ramjas College, Delhi University

DOIs:10.2017/IJRCS/202507008     |     Paper ID: IJRCS202507008


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Abstract: This paper proposes to examine, compare, and contrast the philosophical conceptions of "man" in the works of Rabindranath Tagore, a spiritual humanist rooted in Indian tradition, and Jean-Paul Sartre, the leading figure of 20th-century Existentialism. While Tagore visualizes Man as inherently divine and integrally connected to the universal spirit, Sartre famously declares that "existence precedes essence," asserting radical freedom, Responsibility, and alienation in a godless universe. This comparative study highlights and examines how both thinkers engage deeply with the question of human essence and existence, as well as their freedom to cultivate and design it. However, they arrive at strikingly different metaphysical and ethical conclusions. We have limited our study to Rabindranath Tagore's 'Religion of Man' and 'Sadhana', as well as J.J. Sartre's 'Existentialism and Humanism' and 'Being and Nothingness'. We have adopted a critical and analytical approach in conducting our study of the notion of 'Man' used by both these thinkers. The study in the current Global context is very relevant, as we are continuously redefining and reassessing the essence of a man. We are contrasting him against Technological advancement and Global politics, where the essence and dignity of a Man are subjected to ruthless measures. Through this study, we have attempted to understand the core philosophy that should guide the Notion of a Man. Moreover, we address the problems closely related to Human existence and society.

   
Key Words: Humanism, Freedom, Responsibility, Alienation, Universal Spirit.

Dr.Mausumi Bose(2025); Man and Being: Exploring the Idea of Man in Rabindranath Tagore and Jean -Paul Sartre, International Journal of Research Culture Society,    ISSN(O): 2456-6683,  Volume – 9,   Issue –  7,  Pp.46-52        Available on – https://ijrcs.org/


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