ABSTRACT
Simone de Beauvoir is often associated with the strand of atheistic existentialism which developed in France during the Second World War and found its expression in philosophical texts as well as in prose fiction, drama, music and the visual arts of the period. As well as providing part of the philosophical context for The Second Sex and Old Age, existentialism informs Beauvoir’s literary practice. It is important, then, that we examine the basic notions associated with French atheistic existentialism before turning to other aspects of her work. This chapter also begins to explore Beauvoir’s interpretation and ethical critique of existentialist philosophy.
