The Big Questions Of Our Existence

Existentialism

Philosophers like Sartre and Camus say that life has no inherent meaning, and focuses on individual responsibility and freedom through choices and actions.

Absurdism

Albert Camus' perspective suggests life is absurd, and seeking rational meaning is futile. Instead, individuals should confront existence's absurdity and find meaning in it.

Theistic Metaphysics

Religious metaphysical perspectives suggest life's meaning is linked to a higher purpose, often involving fulfilling divine will, spiritual growth, and establishing a divine connection.

Anthropocentrism

An anthropocentric perspective, often embraced by creationist religious beliefs, places humans at the center of the universe, emphasizing their significance in the grand scheme of existence.

Cosmic Insignificance

Scientific discoveries, suggest humanity's insignificance in the vast universe, contrasting with anthropocentrism, which views humanity as a small part of a larger, indifferent cosmos.

Holism

Metaphysical traditions like Taoism and Buddhism often adopt a holistic view, viewing the universe as interconnected and interdependent, treating humans as integral components.

Determinism

Deterministic metaphysical perspectives suggest that all events, including human actions, are predetermined by prior causes, potentially implying a lack of free will.

Compatibilism

Compatibilist views reconcile determinism with free will, arguing that events can be causally determined as long as individuals act according to their own desires and motivations.

Indeterminism

Indeterminism in metaphysical perspectives suggests events, including human choices, are not strictly determined by prior causes, introducing randomness and unpredictability, potentially allowing for free will.

Realism

Realism, a metaphysical position, asserts the objective existence of the external world, despite human perception or observation, often associated with philosophers like Plato and Aristotle.

Idealism

Idealism posits that reality is primarily mental, based on consciousness, with prominent philosophers like George Berkeley and Advaita Vedanta interpreting Eastern philosophies.

Materialism

Materialism, often linked to scientific reductionism, asserts that reality's fundamental substance is physical and that the world, including consciousness, can be explained through material processes.

Theism

Theism, a monotheistic religion, posits a personal, transcendent, and omniscient deity who created and governs the universe, as seen in Christianity, Islam, and Judaism.

Deism

Deism acknowledges a creator but views them as distant and uninvolved, arguing that they do not intervene in human affairs or the natural world after creation.

Pantheism

Pantheism, a belief in the divine being identical to the universe, is exemplified by Spinoza and some Eastern philosophies, including some forms of Hinduism.