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 that by doing whatever you perceive to be the key of happiness will lead you to the exact opposite of happiness. Purpose: Purpose is the reasoning for why something is done. Purpose can range as it is a goal that is pursued. This term is important as it gives reasoning for the different ways people pursue their life, morals and values. “The purpose of morality is to teach you, not to suffer and die, but to enjoy yourself and live” -Ayn Rand. This quote states that the purpose of morality is to live life to the fullest as it can be in order to live a happy life. Existentialism: this term can be defined as having the freedom to do whatever you want. A person’s purpose is whatever they decide it to be as opposed as having a preset purpose by God. This term is important as it is another theory towards the meaning of life and can provide extra information regarding the topic of the meaning of life. “Existentialism isn’t so atheistic that it wears itself out showing that God doesn’t exist. Rather, it declares that even if God did exist, that would change nothing” - Jean-Paul Sartre. It can be inferred from this quote that living through existentialism changes nothing as life is continued with or without the regard of God himself. Three arguments for the topic of the meaning of life Existentialist perspective: This argument’s premise is that because life holds no concrete meaning, we should create our own purpose through our actions as a conclusion. Philosopher: Jean-Paul Sartre Platonic perspective: This argument’s premise is that humans were put on this world to gain knowledge and wisdom so we must pursuit and seek knowledge as a conclusion. Author or philosopher: Plato Teleological perspective: This argument’s premise is that life, although extremely complicated, has a sort of order to it, so then a higher power must exist. The conclusion of this argument is to live life virtuously. Philosopher: Aristotle 5 sources: King, Pamela Ebstyne. “Joy Distinguished: Teleological Perspectives on Joy as a Virtue.” The Journal of Positive Psychology, vol. 15, no. 1, 2020, pp. 33–39, https://doi.org/10.1080/17[phone].1685578. Tartaglia, James. “Is Philosophy All About the Meaning of Life?” Metaphilosophy, vol. 47, no. 2, 2016, pp. 283–303, https://doi.org/10.1111/meta.12176. Schodowski, Justin. “An Adaptation of Rule Utilitarianism and Its Practical Implications in Society.” Michigan Academician, vol. 48, no. 1, 2021, pp. 94–95. Martela, Frank, and Michael F. Steger. “The Three Meanings of Meaning in Life: Distinguishing Coherence, Purpose, and Significance.” The Journal of Positive Psychology, vol. 11, no. 5, 2016, pp. 531–45, https://doi.org/10.1080/17[phone].1137623. Upenieks, Laura. “Searching for Meaning: Religious Transitions as Correlates of Life Meaning and Purpose in Emerging Adulthood.” Mental Health, Religion & Culture, vol. 25, no. 4, 2022, pp. 414–34, https://doi.org/10.1080/13[phone].2045264.