Most people who are paying attention accept that the universe is a physical system that's governed by natural laws, or in other words, materialism, at least in one sense of the term. People like this are moving into what we could call the 'post-spiritual' world.
Back when we were in Christianity land God and Heaven were the 'purpose'. I'm curious about the topic of meaning and purpose within a materialist framework.
One string of posts I found intriguing happened in the thread I made recently The Apparent Absurdity of Life:
The idea being that the parameters of what we are as living beings make up how we define meaning in our lives. Although there is no non-transient reason for our lives happening, it's what is happening and what we're experiencing so meaning is derived from within that framework.
In another sense I think one could construct meaning by rejecting social and biological norms and living how they want to within natural constraints. Something like: "I know this doesn't really matter, so I'm going to do whatever I want before I die"
Although, even then the human condition comes into play and people crave social ties, security, and other basic needs.
Anyway, that's enough musing. What do you think?
Back when we were in Christianity land God and Heaven were the 'purpose'. I'm curious about the topic of meaning and purpose within a materialist framework.
- What writings have been done on the topic?
- What do you think of the topic?
One string of posts I found intriguing happened in the thread I made recently The Apparent Absurdity of Life:
In a sense the realities of being human (courting, social ties, work, relationships, kids) can be seen as being pointless, but in another light it's easy to forget that these things aren't something we do, they're who and what we are.
Try walking down the road by a beautiful member of the gender to which you're attracted. Everything in your being will draw you to look at them and it takes effort not to. I'd argue that this attraction is a natural part of what it means to be human. We crave positive relationships, we crave pleasure, we crave sex, we crave comfort, and on and on. These things don't represent a metaphysical, objective purpose, but they are a part of the human condition, and so when those things that we need are lacking we will most definitely feel an absence in our lives. People are not islands, we only exist, thrive, and experience happiness in supportive families and communities.
In that way meaning doesn't come from God or religion, but in the human struggle itself.
these things aren't something we do, they're who and what we are.These things don't represent a metaphysical, objective purpose, but they are a part of the human condition,
It seems to me that precisely because they are "what we are" they qualify as an objective purpose. And its not just a part of being human, its a part of being life. Humans have our own set of behaviors which allow the species to survive. Every species is different but the metaphysical fact is that existence requires survival. How one contributes to that survival is where one finds purpose. BTW, "meaning" means that which we are and how we came to be. First, a life form. Next, human beings. Then members of families, nations, communities, religions, forums, etc. These give us meaning. Purpose is derived from meaning. And meaning is sustained by purpose. They are different but intertwined. That's what makes all life special. Just my 2 cents.
The idea being that the parameters of what we are as living beings make up how we define meaning in our lives. Although there is no non-transient reason for our lives happening, it's what is happening and what we're experiencing so meaning is derived from within that framework.
In another sense I think one could construct meaning by rejecting social and biological norms and living how they want to within natural constraints. Something like: "I know this doesn't really matter, so I'm going to do whatever I want before I die"
Although, even then the human condition comes into play and people crave social ties, security, and other basic needs.
Anyway, that's enough musing. What do you think?