Simone de Beauvoir and the Ethics of Ambiguity: Implications for existential therapy

Authors

  • Phil Taylor Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.65828/czkkdw11

Keywords:

Beauvoir, ethics, ambiguity, bad faith, existential typology, freedom, psychotherapy, responsibility

Abstract

This paper explores Simone de Beauvoir's The Ethics of Ambiguity as a framework for existential psychotherapy, using her typology of bad faith to illuminate clinical patterns of avoidance, disconnection and self-deception. It highlights the therapeutic value of ambiguity, freedom and ethical responsibility in fostering authentic, relational engagement.

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Published

2026-01-01

Cite This Article

Simone de Beauvoir and the Ethics of Ambiguity: Implications for existential therapy. (2026). Existential Analysis: Journal of the Society for Existential Analysis, 37(1), 154-171. https://doi.org/10.65828/czkkdw11
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