RE: Nihilism
May 18, 2011 at 10:19 am
(This post was last modified: May 18, 2011 at 10:48 am by Napoléon.)
(May 18, 2011 at 8:36 am)Nimzo Wrote: Surely it's worthless and meaningless by definition?
Perhaps, but crock of shite? no.
(May 17, 2011 at 8:50 pm)reverendjeremiah Wrote: Being into absurdism (and consequently lumped into nihilism at the same time) I understand where you are coming from when you say you are tired of people talking bad about it. I personally can see great reason why people would move to nihilism and why it would be so popular.
I personally have a few beefs with nihilism:
#1 - it allows for suicide at any time for any reason, even if for no reason at all. Absurdism considers suicide to be the biggest philosophical question of all (nope, not god... imagine that?!?!). Absurdism says suicide is escaping reality, and therefore not an option. Fiath is considered "philosophical suicide" and escaping reality, and therefore not an option.
#2 - Nihilism does sometimes turn out to be negative in those who embrace it. Absurdism says the mix between the human condition and an inhuman cosmos (the absurd) should be both embraced and revolted against at the same time. This encourages a great sense of humor and a keen eye for bullshit.
#3 - Nihilism says there is no purpose outside of biological and chemical reasons, at all, ever. Absurdism says there is no INHERENT purpose between the cosmos and the human condition, but temporary purpose COULD be found in the journey..even if that journey is merely pointing out the absurd.
#4 - Nihilism says there is no god or deities at all. Absurdism brushes off the idea of gods as being an important choice, because if deities exist, then they are the cause of the absurdity, and therefore should be revolted against as well.
I don't particular care what people's opinions are on the philosophy of nihilism itself. But rather the fact that people can just assume that all people who believe nihilism are morbid and careless.
My point which I really want to make clear, is that although life may have no intrinsic value in the grand scheme of the cosmos, on a personal level it can.
I think my life is rather pointless, does that mean I want it to end? no! not at all! Does it mean I would care if i suddenly got ran over by a bus? Well if I was to die then it wouldn't really matter.
But the point is that even though you may think everything we do pointless, it can still bring you joy and fulfilment, and even though life at times can be bad, there's a hell of a lot of good experiences I am recieving at the same time.
Sorry if it's unclear it's hard to put into words what's in my head
To address your points:
1# - I don't think nihilism condones suicide at all, all that nihilism basically says is that it doesn't matter if that's what someone chooses on a basic level. It doesn't go into what we as humans beings condone as human behaviour, or at least I have not seen anything to suggest nihilism does such a thing. For me nihilism is simply believing that what we are has no point, no creation if you'd rather that term. So suicide being a human choice, it's up to us as human's to decide whether it is wrong or not, nihilism simply makes no comment because it is irrelevant.
2# - I understand the point here, but again in terms of what nihilism is it's quite irrelevant. Everyone is individual, so what they choose to take from a philosophy is their choice. Personally I see no reason why nihilism should be negative, it's simply for me a position which I hold by default until there is any evidence provided that life has a point to it. Just like atheism is the default position until proof of god has been provided.
3# - This is interesting, I would agree more with the fact that we are just chemical and biological reactions, than what you suggest about absurdism. For me if there is no 'inherent' purpose then there is simply no purpose full stop. I think this differs from placing value on things however, because while life may have no intrinsic value, on a personal level to a particular individuals mind, life can have alot of purpose. I don't think nihilism contradicts this correct me if i'm wrong though (I very well could be).
4# - As mentioned before, for me not believing in god is the default position I take, so nihilism is entirely justified in what it is until i'm shown otherwise.
I'm not saying nihilism is true, but at this point in time with the evidence that science have given us, nihilism seems to be the only logical position I can hold until shown otherwise.
Man i'm rambling
