Sar ‧ tre, Jean-Paul /ˈsɑːtrə $ ˈsɑːrtrə, ʒɒn pɔːl $ ʒɑːn-/ BrE AmE
(1905–80) a French ↑ philosopher who also wrote novels, plays, and short stories. He was a leading influence in the development of ↑ existentialism , and is one of the best-known philosophers of the 20th century. His novels include the ↑ trilogy (=a series of three books) Les chemins de la liberté (translated as Roads to Freedom ). He is also known for his long relationship with the ↑ feminist writer Simone de Beauvoir, and for his ↑ left wing political views and his support for student protests in France in 1968.