<P> As a human, one cannot claim his actions are determined by external forces; this is the core statement of existentialism . One is "condemned" to this eternal freedom; human beings exist before the definition of human identity exists . One cannot define oneself as a thing in the world, as one has the freedom to be otherwise . One is not "a philosopher", as at some point one must / will cease the activities that define the self as "a philosopher". Any role that one might adopt does not define one as there is an eventual end to one's adoption of the role; i.e. other roles will be assigned to us, "a chef", "a mother". The self is not constant, it cannot be a thing in the world . Though one cannot assign a positive value to definitions that may apply to oneself, one remains able to say what one is not . </P> <P> This inner anguish over moral uncertainty is a central underlying theme in existentialism, as the anguish demonstrates a personal feeling of responsibility over the choices one makes throughout life . Without an emphasis on personal choice, one may make use of an external moral system as a tool to moralize otherwise immoral acts, leading to negation of the self . According to existentialism, dedicated professionals of their respective moral codes--priests interpreting sacred scriptures, lawyers interpreting the Constitution, doctors interpreting the Hippocratic oath--should, instead of divesting the self of responsibility in the discharge of one's duties, be aware of one's own significance in the process . This recognition involves the questioning of the morality of all choices, taking responsibility for the consequences of one's own choice and therefore; a constant reappraisal of one's own and others' ever - changing humanity . One must not exercise bad faith by denying the self's freedom of choice and accountability . Taking on the burden of personal accountability in all situations is an intimidating proposition--by pointing out the freedom of the individual, Sartre seeks to demonstrate that the social roles and moral systems we adopt protect us from being morally accountable for our actions . </P>

According to existentialist philosophy the opposite of living in bad faith is