Share your worldview?

[Kernel Sohcahtoa]

Wow. Thanks for the replies. 

The reason I didn't initially open it up to a group discussion is that the assignment is to interview one person. But I'd certainly like to get other thoughts if you'd like to share.  If so, below are the starting questions I was going to ask - on 4 general topics. If not, just ignore them...

I. Origin
1. How do you think we got here - how did humans originate?
2.Where did the universe/world come from? Big Bang, God, other?

II. Meaning
1. What do you think the purpose of life is?
2. Does human life have meaning? If so, what gives that meaning?
3.Are humans more significant than other creatures? Are we special? Why?

III. Morality
1.Why do we have moral ethics? Why do some things ‘seem’ bad (like murder)
2. Do good and bad exist? How do you determine what is good or bad?
3. Are good and evil subjective or universal/absolute?
4. If you don't believe in sin, do you ever feel guilty?

IV. Destiny
1.What happens to us after death?
2. Is there a heaven / hell? 
3. If so, how do you get there? Is there anything specific you have to do?

Part I: Origin.

 (1) and (2). My understanding of how human life originated (or how life originates) is limited to basic biology and the theory of evolution; however, I do not know where the universe or world came from.  Perhaps this question is presently beyond humanity's capability to answer, as the answer may require a significant shift in humanity's present thought patterns and understanding of reality.  
 
Part II: Meaning

(1) and (2). IMO, the purpose of life and meaning will vary from individual to individual depending on the particular path that the individual has chosen.  For me,  I find purpose and meaning in life by trying to treat people as best as I can (as people and not as objects) and by embracing the fact that people are different and finding ways to constructively engage these differences.

(3).  Humanity is a lifeform among many and there could be many other awesome lifeforms in reality that are far beyond humanity ethically, technologically, and perhaps in other ways we cannot conceive; thus, given this possibility, humanity would not seem to be very special.  However, it would seem that if humanity is to survive and create a meaningful world, then it is essential that they learn to embrace themselves as a species and to value the uniqueness that they bring to this reality.  

Part III: Morality

(1). IMO, morality/ethics assist humanity in peacefully coexisting with one another.

(2) and (3). IMO, culture and upbringing will play a big role in determining what is good and bad (evil).  However, IMO, it appears that there are certain areas of the human experience that people seem to value across cultures, such as valuing human life, goodness over badness, justice/fairness, honesty and truth-telling, and individual freedom.  Thus, IMO, a human act could be rationally deemed good or bad based on whether it upholds or violates any of the principles listed above. Hence, it would appear that there is a combination of subjectivity and universality when it comes to matters of determining what is morally good and bad.

(4) IMO, provided that one has empathy and adheres to a peaceful and humane ethical system (regardless of whether it is secular or non-secular), then one will experience a combination of positive and negative emotions.



Part IV: Destiny

(1) Philosophically speaking, I do not know what happens to lifeforms once they experience death. Perhaps the answer to this question currently transcends god beliefs and scientific theories and requires more evolved thought patterns, which humanity may attain given enough time?