Existentialism

[Angrboda]

As a quick aside, what is your assessment on the metaphysics of free will? Not to derail your thread or anything-- trust me the risk is there. I was just curious given Sartre's philosophy which you seem quite keen on. (The short answer will do.)

Sorry I missed this. I basically accept the idea of free will. I'm skeptical of claims that free will somehow violates the laws of physics, etc., and I regard anything that says human perception or freedom is an illusion as a consolation fantasy: it's reassuring to think that we don't have to feel responsible for what we do in our lives and societies.

There's room for both, it could be both reassuring and true. Describing it as comforting doesn't make it untrue. Personally, I suspect the opposite, that most are afraid of giving up the notion of responsibility that they think determinism entails.