No, there is no contradiction. The apparent contradiction arises from an equivocation on “value.” The version of nihilism you express, that there is no value, makes the most sense if it asserts that there is no real value in the universe. When philosophers assert that position, that is typically what they mean.
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Why is nihilism incorrect?
Nihilism matters because meaning matters, and the best-known alternative ways of relating to meaning are also wrong. Fear of nihilism is a main reason people commit to other stances, such as eternalism and existentialism, that are also harmful and mistaken.
Is it possible to be a true nihilist?
Nihilism is the belief that all values are baseless and that nothing can be known or communicated. It is often associated with extreme pessimism and a radical skepticism that condemns existence. A true nihilist would believe in nothing, have no loyalties, and no purpose other than, perhaps, an impulse to destroy.
Is nihilism a paradox?
The paradox of nihilism is a family of paradoxes regarding the philosophical implications of nihilism, particularly situations contesting nihilist perspectives on the nature and extent of subjectivity within a nihilist framework. There are a number of variations of this paradox.
Does nihilism mean nothing matters?
Nihilism is the view that nothing matters. It comes in two distinct forms. The first is evaluative nihilism, which Kahane describes like this: Evaluative Nihilism: Nothing is good or bad — or — All evaluative propositions are false.
Why is nihilism liberating?
Nihilism has often also been considered liberating, since proponents of the idea think it untethers people from their everyday desires and commitments, when faced with what nihilists think to be the ultimate meaninglessness, randomness, and finitude, of human experience.
What is the opposite of nihilism?
So Existentialism is the opposite of nihilism: the nihilist says “There is no god, no heaven or hell, so screw it: there can be no right or wrong.
Is Buddhism a nihilist?
In The Will to Power, Buddhism is described as passively nihilistic with the purpose of acting as a temporary salve for those suffering (1968, 18).
Who were famous nihilists?
Nihilism has existed in one form or another for hundreds of years, but is usually associated with Friedrich Nietzsche, the 19th century German philosopher (and pessimist of choice for high school kids with undercuts) who proposed that existence is meaningless, moral codes worthless, and God is dead.
Can a nihilist believe in God?
Nihilism states that there is no sustainer, such as God, of lasting purpose, meaning, or hope for human life, even if humans create their own transitory purpose, meaning, or hope.
How does Nietzsche overcome nihilism?
To overcome nihilism, we must search for a philosophy that allows us to create value in a world devoid of inherent meaning. Nietzsche presents his own solution to the problem of nihilism. In his view, it is possible for man to rise above his weakened stature and create meaning in a world with no absolutes.
Can a nihilist have morals?
Nihilists assert that there are no moral values, principles, truths. A nihilist is not the same thing as a skeptic, because although a nihilist will agree with the skeptic — that humans cannot have knowledge about moral realities, not all skeptics will agree with nihilists.
Is there a positive nihilism?
The optimistic nihilist looks at a world lacking meaning and purpose and sees the opportunity to create their own. Optimistic nihilism can be an incredibly empowering belief. In embracing it, you have the power to change your experience from a negative one to a positive one.
Do nihilists have empathy?
Nihilists can have sympathy, empathy, and antipathy, but they cannot have apathy. Not caring is not the same thing as caring about nothing.
Is nihilism a good thing?
Though nihilism can lead some people into despondency, it can also function as a path to personal fulfillment. As a start, “nihilism” is commonly defined as “the belief that life is meaningless.” A fuller definition would further add that nihilism is the belief that life has no objective meaning.
Is the Joker a nihilist?
Joker has a unique character and he is different from other villains in movies. While they committed crime based on personal revenge, economic fulfillment, Joker does it his own way. He does not obey rules, laws, or even morals. Based on those ideas, the writer includes Joker as a nihilist.
Do nihilists believe in love?
In the late 1800s, German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche had a lot to say about love. Arguing that society was heading toward nihilism – that is, a world without meaning, morals and values – Nietzsche thought that romantic love was frivolous, with friendship acting as a much stronger foundation for relationships.
How do I get rid of nihilism?
A good way to deal with nihilism would be to contrast it with the diametrically opposite possibility. A situation where there is perfect meaning to life, with perfect happiness, no sorrow or injustice, and where the progress of nature ensures this in every way.
What is depressive nihilism?
Nihilistic depression suppresses the feelings (positive and negative) that go with recognition of meaning. Depression can be thought of as rage turned inward. It tries to kill your passionate response to reality. Depression copes with loss by lowering the stakes.
What is existential angst?
“Existential angst”, sometimes called existential dread, anxiety, or anguish, is a term common to many existentialist thinkers. It is generally held to be a negative feeling arising from the experience of human freedom and responsibility.
How did existentialism begin?
Existentialism in its currently recognizable form was developed by the 19th Century Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard and the German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche, although neither actually used the term in their work.
Do existentialists believe in God?
Existentialism can be atheistic, theological (or theistic) or agnostic. Some Existentialists, like Nietzsche, proclaimed that “God is dead” and that the concept of God is obsolete. Others, like Kierkegaard, were intensely religious, even if they did not feel able to justify it.
What is wrong with existentialism?
The key problems for existentialism are those of the individual himself, of his situation in the world, and of his more ultimate significance.
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