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

Existential Analysis Journal of the Society for Existential Analysis 2026

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Authors: Phil Taylor
DOI: 10.65828/czkkdw11
Cited by: 1
References: 11

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.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Simone de Beauvoir and Sartre Phenomenology and Existential Philosophy French Literature and Criticism

Publication details

Journal / source
Existential Analysis Journal of the Society for Existential Analysis
Publisher
Society for Existential Analysis
Volume
37
Issue
1
Pages
154–171
Publication date
1 January 2026