SUFFERING Flashcards
experience of unpleasantness, discomfort and pain
Suffering
Physical sensations such as discomfort, hunger, distress, and pain
Physical Suffering
Emotional and mental stress such as depression, anxiety, fear, loneliness, and grief
Mental Suffering
can also be caused by the conflict of between one’s notion of a “PERFECT WORLD”
Suffering
Man’s realization that the world can never live up to the ideal, “perfect world,” resulting to feelings of sadness or apathy.
Weltschmerz
Fear and anxiety related to the feeling of existential dread (questioning life purpose and being).
Angst
Feeling of weariness and discontent brought about by a lack of interest or intense boredom with the world.
Ennui
Three Different viewpoints on Human Suffering
- Feeling of weariness and discontent brought about by a lack of interest or intense boredom with the world.
- Suffering is necessary to human existence, without it, man is unable to grow and improve and his positive experiences lose meaning and significance.
- Theologians related the concept of suffering to God’s
providence.
believes that suffering is caused by man’s inability to meet unlimited wants and desires.
Arthur Schopenhaur
considers suffering as defining feature of human existence which was caused by desires, and that it will only end through the elimination of worldly desires.
Buddhism
believes that suffering is closely tied to spiritual progress and that it will only end when the person attains enlightenment.
Hinduism
believes that suffering is inevitable, and that man is meant to suffer. It can result to personal growth and development. It is a test of person’s worth.
Friedrich Nietzsche
considers suffering as one of many interrelated elements that define the meaning of experiences throughout life. Suffering and happiness go hand-in-hand.
George Sefler
believe that suffering is a consequence of free will, necessary to achieve moral perfection.
Iranaeus of Lyons
considers the world as “school and hospital for souls” where suffering plays a role in educating and healing the person.
Origen
considers suffering as a means to achieve a higher meaning in life. Christ’s suffering, in particular, is considered highly significant to God’s plan for humankind’s salvation.
Christian Theology
How to face suffering and adversities in life?
Coping
refers to the means that a person employs to deal with
difficult life situations.
Coping
It entails identifying sources of stress and conflict, and devising means to tolerate or minimize their effects.
coping
Seek only pleasurable things in life and avoid those that
cause harm.
Epicurean’s coping
One must face difficulties in life with fortitude and
patience.
Stoic’s coping
A person should not blame other people and external factors to explain his own suffering.
Nietzsche’s coping
To alleviate suffering in the world, people must focus on
actions that are beneficial to society.
Utilitarian Philosophers’ coping
The purpose of a person’s existence is to make others happy. This interaction with others will ease the suffering in this world.
Humanitarianism’s coping
How is a person able to cope up with stress and difficulties?
If he knows that people around him are willing to lend their support - family, peers, pets, etc.
