Philosophy paper

Abstract

[Name] [Instructor Name] Philosophy 1301 Research Document: The meaning of life Humans were not put in this world for no reason but in to serve a certain purpose. From a scientific standpoint, the primary purpose for which humans were created is solely to evolve and reproduce in order to prevent themselves from becoming extinct. But from a philosophical perspective, what is the meaning of life? That is a recurring question that is mentioned by every individual at least once in their lifetime. In my opinion, the essence of the meaning of life is to pursue a purpose created for us which in turn allows fulfillment and overall satisfaction with our life. Purpose and fulfillment vary depending on the individual asked, but purpose can be linked to an abundant number of reasons, such as religious reasons by serving God through virtuous actions. The pursuit of knowledge and personal growth. And the suffering needed in order to build character, resilience, and become the best version of yourself. Different terms that can be used for this topic: Theism: Is the belief of a higher power in this universe (the creator). This term is important towards primary thinkers of philosophy because people that believe in a higher power also believe that a purpose is assigned towards them by that higher power. “Theism is a belief in the existence of a transcendent, personal God who is both immanent and omnipotent” -Craig, William Lane. The quote provided by this philosopher basically defines what theism is. He states that it is a belief that believes in a higher power that is beyond our world of reasoning. Atheism: Lack of belief in the existence of God or a higher power. This term is important as it is the opposite of Theism, individuals do not believe that their meaning comes from a higher power but by themselves of individuals around them. “The fact that a believer is happier than a skeptic is no more to the point than the fact that a drunken man is happier than a sober one” -George Bernard Shaw. This quote compares believers of a higher power to an alcoholic to imply that believers are as reliable as someone under the influence. Utilitarianism: Is a theory that implies that the true meaning of life is to choose and maximize overall happiness over suffering while also including morally just actions. This term is an important theory that can be used as an argument for my topic of the meaning of life. “The creed which accepts as the foundation of morals, Utility, or the Greatest Happiness Principle, holds that actions are right in proportion as they tend to promote happiness, wrong as they tend to produce the reverse of happiness” -John Stuart Mil. This quote states...