Nubblies.net Forums - Wtf Did You Google To End Up Here? - View Single Post

Mr. Blonde · 12-23-2012, 04:13 PM

I agree there are some very real inconsistencies between meaning and the materialist worldview.

I disagree that it can only lead to nihilism though -- what about existentialism? I mean, I don't even think I could be a nihilist even if I tried. It's just not in me; I don't see myself ever being "broken" and hopeless that much. I suppose, when you think about it, nihilism and existentialism are two sides of the same coin. I guess, if one were to ascribe me having "faith" in anything, it's in the future of humanity. And that is much more a hope than undoubting faith, really -- sort of in the same way DH is describing his views on death. That's interesting; the way DH regards the afterlife is the same way I regard hope for the human race, so I deserve some of the same criticism I was giving him about "believing in something because it makes you feel good. Hm.

Ultimately, I suppose you could easily compare religion (or spirituality, or any other thing that gives people meaning) to the existentialist view, which I try to adhere to but it sure is easy to get depressed on sometimes, especially when you are having a hard time "creating your own meaning." I find it's different in the aspect that you don't have to assert anything about "how things should be" or "how things might be". To me, it just puts the control of your own life, your own morality, and your own meaning in your own hands. I like to think of it as leading by example, something I'm only really taking on seriously very recently. But, again, what "example" is that, other than "me"? Does it mean people should try to emulate me? No, But I think it means that I should try to act as good as possible, and perhaps that will be seen by other people who admire it and want to act in the same way. But forcing others to think the same way as one does, either physically or in a debate/argument, I think is not the right way to go and something I am working on changing in my nature. Be the change you wish to see in the world, etc.

For me, benevolent existentialism (trying to be as kind to others and help when you can, being a good person, wanting others to succeed and trying to mold your life around this philosophy) seems to be the best answer as long as I'm still adhering to the materialist view.

What are some good critiques of existentialism?

12-23-2012, 04:13 PM	#42 (permalink)
Mr. Blonde Spice Master Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 17,969 Internets: 278288	I agree there are some very real inconsistencies between meaning and the materialist worldview. I disagree that it can only lead to nihilism though -- what about existentialism? I mean, I don't even think I could be a nihilist even if I tried. It's just not in me; I don't see myself ever being "broken" and hopeless that much. I suppose, when you think about it, nihilism and existentialism are two sides of the same coin. I guess, if one were to ascribe me having "faith" in anything, it's in the future of humanity. And that is much more a hope than undoubting faith, really -- sort of in the same way DH is describing his views on death. That's interesting; the way DH regards the afterlife is the same way I regard hope for the human race, so I deserve some of the same criticism I was giving him about "believing in something because it makes you feel good. Hm. Ultimately, I suppose you could easily compare religion (or spirituality, or any other thing that gives people meaning) to the existentialist view, which I try to adhere to but it sure is easy to get depressed on sometimes, especially when you are having a hard time "creating your own meaning." I find it's different in the aspect that you don't have to assert anything about "how things should be" or "how things might be". To me, it just puts the control of your own life, your own morality, and your own meaning in your own hands. I like to think of it as leading by example, something I'm only really taking on seriously very recently. But, again, what "example" is that, other than "me"? Does it mean people should try to emulate me? No, But I think it means that I should try to act as good as possible, and perhaps that will be seen by other people who admire it and want to act in the same way. But forcing others to think the same way as one does, either physically or in a debate/argument, I think is not the right way to go and something I am working on changing in my nature. Be the change you wish to see in the world, etc. For me, benevolent existentialism (trying to be as kind to others and help when you can, being a good person, wanting others to succeed and trying to mold your life around this philosophy) seems to be the best answer as long as I'm still adhering to the materialist view. What are some good critiques of existentialism?
	Psychedelics are illegal not because a loving government is concerned that you may jump out of a third story window. Psychedelics are illegal because they dissolve opinion structures and culturally laid down models of behavior and information processing. ― Terence McKenna Last edited by Mr. Blonde; 12-23-2012 at 04:18 PM.