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What Is Nihilism | Philosophy Definition
The Origins of Nihilism
- Nihilism originated during 300 B.C.E. where certain discussions by the Buddha related to our actions having no meaning or consequences in this world.
- The Greek statesman Demosthenes also contributed to its origins.
- The modern understanding of nihilism is associated with Friedrich Nietzsche, who said all aspects of life are subjective, not objective, also adding that this belief will lead to the destruction of all value structures.
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Nihilism
Nihilism is a thought process that argues that all aspects of life lack a specific meaningful essence.
Apart from life, Nihilism rejects meaning in beliefs, value structures, state power, or other systems, portraying all aspects of life as meaningless.
The Origins of Nihilism
- Nihilism originated during 300 B.C.E. where certain discussions by the Buddha related to our actions having no meaning or consequences in this world.
- The Greek statesman Demosthenes also contributed to its origins.
- The modern understanding of nihilism is associated with Friedrich Nietzsche, who said all aspects of life are subjective, not objective, also adding that this belief will lead to the destruction of all value structures.
Types of Nihilism
- Moral Nihilism says true morality does not exist, and that good or bad actions are not different by the law of nature, but only by our understanding.
- Existential Nihilism says all goals, aspirations, influences and actions ultimately become meaningless.
- Metaphysical Nihilism tells us that the physical world is an illusion, and our senses just manipulated sensations and signals going into our brain.
- Political Nihilism goes against all kinds of political establishments and government laws.
Modern Nihilism
Modern nihilism goes against western culture and values, saying that it has no roots and is meaningless.
Modern nihilism tries to take on tackling poverty, discrimination and the value of increasing happiness, as a way to increase meaning.
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Nihilism
Nihilism means "nothing." It is the lack of belief in meaning or substance in an area of philosophy.
- Moral nihilism argues that moral facts cannot exist.
- Metaphysical nihilism ar...
Existentialism
Existentialism originates from Soren Kierkegaard and Nietzche. It focuses on the problems produced by existential nihilism. For instance:
- What is the point of living if life has no inherent purpose?
- How do we face the knowledge of our inevitable demise?
Existentialism emphasizes individual existence, freedom and choice.
Stoicism
Stoicism was popular in ancient Greece and Rome and is practiced by many in high-stress environments.
Stoicism focuses on how to live in a world where things don't go as planned. The idea is to accept all the things beyond your control and to focus on what you can control.
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Philosophy of food
Philosophy of food is found on the idea that food is a mirror.
Eating reflects the making of a self - the many decisions and circumstances that lead us to eat the way we do...
Food as a Relation
Food is a relation to organism and circumstance.
- Food is bound to vary from moment to moment. Coffee and pasty are a fine breakfast or afternoon snack. Yet, most of us won't enjoy it for dinner.
- Circumstances are bound to involve contradictory principles. You may buy only organic food, but on vacation, you crave burgers and fries.
Therefore, any given food relation is the mirror of an eater, and it represents the eater's needs, habits, convictions, deliberations, and compromises.
Food Ethics
Ethical convictions can shape our diets.* Would you eat a cat or a horse? Why or why not?* Your reasons are likely rooted in ethical principles, such as feeling outraged that someone can do such a thing.
Vegetarians conform to a particular diet to prevent unjustified violence being done to animals.
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Philosophy is Back In Fashion
Recent books in non-fiction points to a growing trend: 19th-century philosophy, once a specialized and highly challenging field, is now the inspiration and guiding torch behind many recent publicat...
Planet in Flux
The main reason for the rising interest in philosophical concepts of the 19th Century could be today's crisis-ridden world. People see that the world is in flux. There are financial, geopolitical, and climate issues throughout the planet.
Up till the year 2000, there was a sense of optimism and progress, but it vanished at the turn of the millennium.
Stoicism
The thought system that is thriving currently is Stoicism.
Stoicism puts forth acceptance and acknowledgment that one cannot control much of what is going on in life. It states that we are part of nature, and in order to lead a good life, we have to make internal changes, like developing the right character and the right state of mind. The stuff you own and what happens to you in the external world doesn't matter.
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