Sartre lived from 1905 to 1980 during the "age of extremes". He discovered phenomenology in 1932/3 while studying Husserl in Berlin. His philosophy merged phenomenology with existential themes during World War II. He was imprisoned by the German Army during World War II
Born in Paris in 1908 to a Catholic family. Declared herself an atheist at age 14. Studied philosophy at Sorbonne, graduating in 1929
Existentialism emerged in continental Europe from 1930 to mid-20th century. Human existence is always particular and individual. Existence is primarily the problem of existence and meaning of Being. Humans exist in concrete, historically determinate situations called Dasein
Born in Paris in 1908 to a Catholic family. Declared herself an atheist at age 14. Studied philosophy at Sorbonne, graduating in 1929
Published in 1938, Nausea is Sartre's first novel set in Bouville, France. Antoine Roquentin, a melancholic intellectual, experiences "the nausea". Roquentin lives alone in Bouville, researching Marquis de Rollebon. Anny, his former lover, reveals she has changed significantly. Ogier P., a socialist clerk, develops compassion for Roquentin
Born in 1905 in Paris, lost vision and developed walleye as a child. Served as French Army meteorologist, spent nine months as POW. Experiences under Nazi occupation influenced his political views. Published "Being and Nothingness" and "No Exit" after WWII