Existential Issues Flashcards
What are two things that philosophers agree on in order for us to have meaningful lives?
- Continue to exist or go on after we’ve passed away.
- Grant us fulfilled lives.
What do theists believe is the key to a happy and meaningful life?
Being a devoted follower to God.
What do scientists believe is the key to a happy and meaningful life?
Making it through different stages of evolution and survival.
What do poets believe is the key to a happy and meaningful life?
Love is the force that gives meaning to our lives.
What do Ancient Greek Philosophers believe is the key to a happy and meaningful life?
The continuation of learning and gaining enough knowledges to contemplate about life’s factors.
What are the two main perspectives on the ‘meaning of life’?
Essentialism and Existentialism.
Essentialists hold the belief that…
Everything contains an essence/specific set of qualities that make something be what it is.
Existentialists hold the belief that…
We exist first and that we decide what meaning or journey we want our lives to be.
Define Teleology.
It is the metaphysical study of the ultimate purpose/end function of a phenomenon.
What did Søren Kierkegaard deem fit as our life’s purpose?
Our life’s purpose is made through the continuous choices we make and the actions we wish to follow.
Define free will.
The action of allowing an individual to do what they want to do without any interference.
Define ‘Angest’ (angst).
The feelings of despair and anxiety we gain with free will.
Define ‘leap of faith’.
Trusting and believing in God’s Judgements.
What did Friedrich Nietzsche deem fit as our life’s purpose?
How we think of our own states as our own superman is what gives meaning to our lives.
Define “Übermensch” (Superman).
An individual transcending all human qualities.
