Assuming that one has accepted the existentialist theory of human freedom, what, asks Dr. Barnes, should our attitude be towards the political and social applications and implications of that theory? Man must engage his freedom, must choose to commit himself to something. Traditionally, existentialists have assumed political postures veering toward the left, since these coincide with the existentialist belief in mans responsibility for other men. But what should man agree to in trying to implement the political policies he believes in? Should one be more devoted to an ideal than to the men who implement it? Can one make exceptions to ones political beliefs if one thinks they will conflict between ends and means? These questions are explored both through commentary by Dr. Barnes and scenes from Sartres Dirty Hands and In the Mesh and Camus The Just Assassins. (Description adapted from documents in the NET Microfiche) Self Encounter is a series designed to explain and illustrate the most important principles of existential philosophy, and the implications of their application to everyday life and problems. The title suggests the two themes of the series: one, an explanation of the existential thesis that man must meet and recognize himself honestly, without recourse to myths or vain or supernatural hopes; two, the attempt to draw each viewer of the series into a closer and more careful understanding of himself. The technique used to clarify these themes is a combination of lecture and drama. Dr. Hazel E. Barnes, professor of classics at the University of Colorado and a noted student of existential philosophy, is the host for the series. She describes, in a direct, almost lecture style, the themes and topics most important to an understanding of existentialism. Her comments alternate with scenes from plays or novels by noted authors whose work reflect, or explain, existentialism; these dramatizations, performed by students at the University of Colorado, do much to clarify the material Dr. Barnes has been discussing. The series was produced by KRMA-TV, Denver. The 10 half-hour episodes that comprise this series were originally recorded on videotape. (Description adapted from documents in the NET Microfiche)
