The Notion of Existence in Jean-Paul Sartre's and Karl Jaspers’ Philosophy in the Literary Context of "Anna Karenina"

Abstract

This paper attempts to explain the notion of existence on the basis of a specific literary example. Firstly, we will analyze this concept in the thought of two most prominent representatives of existentialism: Karl Jaspers and Jean-Paul Sartre. Despite striking differences in the way both thinkers understand the notion of existence, they complement each other. I characterize the approach of each philosopher, indicating the sources of their differences and points where they meet. In the next step I will apply the concept of existentialism to a specific literary example of the existence of Anna Karenina.

Keywords

• existence
• Karl Jaspers
• Jean-Paul Sartre
• Karenina
• human being
• situation