In: Psychology
What exactly does Sartre mean when he says that "If God does not exist, then everything is permitted"? Do you agree with him? Why or why not?
When Sartre says that "If God does not exist, then everything is permitted" he means if there is no God there is a commandment and moral values for people what to do and what not to do. He also means that people wouldn’t have any motivation and purpose to behave ethically or morally. He says that moral laws exist because of God’s presence and without him there would be no commandment of moral laws or principles and people will do whatever they want. In short, he advocates ethics that require God.
I don't agree with him and also think that it is absurd to think like that. People don't need any God or Supreme power to act ethically. People do what they think is right and beneficial for them not out of any commandment of God. There are many moral and ethical rules which most people don’t follow. We, humans, have invented and devised these ethical principles and morals, not any God or Superpower. So this is completely meaningless to say these things like we need God for ethics and morals. Apart from this, there is no question of wrong or right as long as something is working out for someone and doesn’t harm any being. Morals and ethics are men made and only men can breach or dodge them. There is no question of God for it has not yet proved that God exists.