Meaning of Life Theory
A Meaning of Life Theory is a universal theory about the utility function of living organisms.
- Context:
- It can support a Life Goal.
- Example(s):
- Counter-Example(s):
- See: Existential Meaning, Moral Agent, Moral Philosophy, Moral Compass.
References
2013
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meaning_of_life
- The meaning of life is a philosophical question concerning the significance of life or existence in general. It can also be expressed in different forms, such as "Why are we here?", "What is life all about?", and "What is the purpose of existence?" It has been the subject of much philosophical, scientific, and theological speculation throughout history. There have been a large number of proposed answers to these questions from many different cultural and ideological backgrounds.
The meaning of life is in the philosophical and religious conceptions of existence, social ties, consciousness, and happiness, and borders on many other issues, such as symbolic meaning, ontology, value, purpose, ethics, good and evil, free will, the existence of one or multiple Gods, conceptions of God, the soul, and the afterlife. Scientific contributions focus primarily on describing related empirical facts about the universe, exploring the context and parameters concerning the 'how' of life. Science also studies and can provide recommendations for the pursuit of well-being and a related conception of morality. An alternative, humanistic approach poses the question "What is the meaning of my life?" The value of the question pertaining to the purpose of life may coincide with the achievement of ultimate reality, or a feeling of oneness, or even a feeling of sacredness.
- The meaning of life is a philosophical question concerning the significance of life or existence in general. It can also be expressed in different forms, such as "Why are we here?", "What is life all about?", and "What is the purpose of existence?" It has been the subject of much philosophical, scientific, and theological speculation throughout history. There have been a large number of proposed answers to these questions from many different cultural and ideological backgrounds.
2010
- (Wolf, 2010) ⇒ Susan Wolf. (2010). “Meaning in Life and Why it Matters." Princeton University Press.
2011
- http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/belief/2011/oct/11/how-to-believe-isaiah-berlin-freedom
- Berlin's most penetrating contribution to political philosophy was to suggest that the most dangerous person in the world is the person who believes he has discovered the meaning of life. For once a person is totally convinced of his own moral rightness, once he is persuaded that he is in possession of the one true answer that will transform an unjust and divided world into an earthly paradise, then he will inevitably feel justified in using whatever means possible to make this vision a reality. For Berlin, moral certainty readily becomes an alibi for political violence.
1884
- (Tolstoy, 1884) ⇒ Leo Tolstoy. (1884). “A Confession." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Confession
- QUOTE: Differently expressed, the question is: "Why should I live, why wish for anything, or do anything?" It can also be expressed thus: "Is there any meaning in my life that the inevitable death awaiting me does not destroy?"