Philosophical Perspectives on the Meaning of Life

Introduction

• Opening with Albert Camus' The Myth of Sisyphus
  • Fundamental philosophical problem: Suicide
  • Questions whether life is worth living
• Focus on the problem of meaning in modern civilization
• Three viewpoints: Nihilism, Existentialism, Absurdism

Nihilism

• Emerged in the 19th century
• Decline in religious belief
  • Darwin's On the Origin of Species (1859)
  • Nietzsche's declaration of "God is dead" (1882)
  • Loss of purpose and values without religious framework

Reactions to Nihilism (Daniel Meisler)

1. Philosophical suicide: Embracing religion or spirituality
2. Physical suicide: Inability to accept lack of meaning
3. Acceptance: Acknowledging and confronting meaninglessness

Existentialism

• Originated with Kierkegaard and Nietzsche, peaked in 20th century France
• Jean-Paul Sartre's views
  • "Existence precedes essence"
  • Man defines himself after existing
• Emphasis on awareness, free will, and personal responsibility
• Condemnation to be free: Responsibility for one's actions
• The search for meaning in a meaningless world

Absurdism

• Associated with Albert Camus
• Acceptance of the conflict between human desire for meaning and the indifferent universe

Reactions to Absurdism

1. Philosophical suicide: Leap of faith
2. Physical suicide: Ending one's life
3. Acceptance: Embracing life without hoping for deeper meaning

• Characteristics of the absurd person
  • Courage: Accepting life as it is
  • Reason: Actions have consequences only in this world
• Absurdism as rebellion: Rejecting both religion and suicide

Sisyphus as an Absurd Hero

• Continually rolls a boulder up a hill only to watch it roll back down
• Represents repetitive, meaningless tasks in life
• Finding happiness in the struggle

Conclusion

• Comparison of nihilism, existentialism, and absurdism
• Questions for reflection
  • Best course of action when faced with meaninglessness
  • Suitability of these philosophies for a meaningful life

Final Thoughts

• Engage with audience for comments and discussion