Freedom and the Absurd, Camus & Sartre in Existentialist ( 存在主义) Debate

What does it mean to be free? How do we find meaning in an absurd world? In this one-hour podcast, we explore the fascinating friendship and ultimate rupture between Albert Camus (加缪 Jiāmóu) and Jean-Paul Sartre (萨特 Sàtè). Through the lens of existentialism—存在主义 (cúnzài zhǔyì)—we unpack their views on freedom, absurdity, meaning, and responsibility. From Camus’s tragic hero Sisyphus to Sartre’s radical insistence on choice, we reveal how two thinkers fought against the absurd and why their paths diverged in philosophy and politics. Join us for a deep dive into the struggle for authenticity and the timeless question: How should we live in an absurd world?

Time Stamps

00:00 - Existentialism
01:11 - 1. Orientation of Freedom
01:25 - Meaning of Life
01:49 - Part 1: Orientation of Freedom
04:41 - Part 2: Ways of Solving Problems
06:03 - Myth of Sisyphus
07:15 - Part 3: Meaning of Life
09:18 - Part 4: Choice and Responsibility
11:27 - Conclusion and Reflection

存在主义 (cúnzài zhǔyì) – Existentialism
自由 (zìyóu) – Freedom
荒诞 (huāngdàn) – Absurdity
人生的意义 (rénshēng de yìyì) – Meaning of life
选择与责任 (xuǎnzé yǔ zérèn) – Choice and responsibility
反抗 (fǎnkàng) – Revolt / Rebellion
他人即是地狱 (tārén jí shì dìyù) – “Hell is other people” (Sartre)
西西弗神话 (Xīxīfú shénhuà) – Myth of Sisyphus
局外人 (Júwàirén) – The Stranger

r major themes:
自由的取向 (zìyóu de qǔxiàng – orientation of freedom)
问题的解决方式 (wèntí de jiějué fāngshì – ways of solving problems)
人生的意义 (rénshēng de yìyì – meaning of life)
选择与责任 (xuǎnzé yǔ zérèn – choice and responsibility)