Simone de Beauvoir, Ethics of Ambiguity | Childhood, Adolescence, and Moral Choice | Core Concepts

[@Anonymous-ev5kb]

I love Beauvoir! Thanks for this.

[@GregoryBSadler]

You're welcome

[@alternatives3379]

I have a lot of questions.... If I understand it correctly, some people cannot escape their infantile state because they are forced to stay submissive during the time that they are meant to develop into a free human being that can actually choose how to act and who to be. According to Simon de Beauvoir, these cases occur in extreme situations (slavery etc), but what happens if a young adult who hasn't been exposed to such extreme situations, can't escape the infantile state? Does it mean their parents are responsible because they probably acted in a way that made their child feel "subjugated"? Or can it be that the young adult CHOOSES to stay in the infantile state? In the latter case, is it an oxymoron, because the young adult essentially chooses to not choose? Or Is it subconscious fear of the responsibilities that come with the typical existential freedom of the adult? Can it be an actual choice, and if yes, is it considered active choice or "pathetic" choice? And I don't mean it like the example of the woman who chooses to submit to the society arranged by men. I'm thinking of an adult who prefers the life of a child. And children aren't exactly aware of their submissive state nor do they mind about it. They just live mindlessly and they are happy. I think it's absolutely normal for an adult to be jealous of this kind of life. So, what do we say happens in this case? Lastly, let's say that an adult chooses the life of a child because it appeals to them, but they cannot return to it, because they have developed enough to be aware of their actual freedom. What is this choice that cannot turn into action? Could it be a mental disorder? Does it have to be considered negative? I'm SO interested in an answer to these!

[@GregoryBSadler]

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[@saddlebut17]

Great topic! Thank you

[@GregoryBSadler]

You're welcome!