This paper discusses some aspects of the theory created by the French existentialist philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre, and of the theory of liberating education created by the Brazilian educator Paulo Freire. Considering that the two theories are based on phenomenology and historical materialism, we discuss the view of man they present, taking as our focus the following key concepts: existentialist freedom and Freirean critical consciousness. This discussion is situated in the field of psychology and education, and investigates the needs for change in these two areas, inspired by these two views of man that, despite their differences, present relevant connections that provide elements to radically restore the notions of human freedom, critical action of the world, the “novel but viable”, and utopia.