The Metaphysical Order and Existential Freedom in Art: A Comparative Analysis of Farabi and Sartre’s Perspectives

This article presents a comparative analysis of the philosophical perspectives of Farabi and Jean-Paul Sartre on aesthetics and the role of art in achieving perfection and freedom. For Farabi, a prominent Islamic philosopher, beauty represents the manifestation of ultimate perfection and a connection with the divine. He views art as a vital instrument for conveying rational and ethical concepts to society, guiding individuals toward happiness and spiritual fulfillment within a metaphysical framework. In contrast, Sartre, a leading existentialist thinker, emphasizes the primacy of individual freedom and the creation of meaning in a world devoid of inherent metaphysical order. For Sartre, art serves as a powerful medium for expressing personal freedom and human responsibility, reflecting the existential struggle to define oneself in an absurd universe. This study explores how art facilitates the pursuit of goodness, happiness, and authenticity in both philosophical traditions, with a particular focus on William Shakespeare’s Hamlet as a case study. The play is analyzed as a vivid embodiment of human ethical and existential conflicts, highlighting the tension between metaphysical order and existential freedom. By examining these contrasting perspectives, the article elucidates the multifaceted role of art in addressing fundamental questions of human existence, purpose, and moral responsibility.