Different theological or philosophical views indeed shape and influence our understanding of meaning.
Eternalism
From an eternalist’s perspective, meaning is often viewed as something inherent, fixed, and objective. Eternalists tend to believe that there is a pre-determined purpose or significance to life, independent of individual interpretations or subjective experiences. They may assert that meaning is derived from external sources such as religious doctrines, moral codes, or universal principles.
For eternalists, meaning is often associated with a larger cosmic order or divine plan. They may believe that life has a specific and unchanging meaning that transcends individual existence. This perspective suggests that there is an ultimate truth or purpose that provides a guiding framework for human life.
Eternalists may also perceive meaning as a stable and enduring concept, unaffected by the ebb and flow of human emotions or circumstances. They may find solace in the idea that life has a fixed meaning, offering a sense of certainty and direction.
Nihilism
Nihilism is a philosophical position that asserts the absence of inherent meaning or value in life and the universe. Nihilists reject the existence of objective or transcendent meaning and argue that any sense of meaning or purpose is a human construct without a foundation in ultimate truth.
From a nihilist’s perspective, meaning is seen as a subjective illusion or a product of human interpretation. They argue that there are no inherent or universal values, and that concepts such as morality, purpose, and significance are mere social constructs or individual preferences. Nihilists may believe that life is ultimately meaningless, devoid of any intrinsic purpose or direction.
For nihilists, the absence of meaning can lead to a sense of existential despair or nihilistic nihilism. This philosophical standpoint challenges traditional beliefs and moral frameworks, often emphasizing the individual’s responsibility to create their own meaning and purpose in life.
Existentialism
Existentialism offers a distinct perspective on meaning, emphasizing individual freedom, responsibility, and the subjective nature of human existence. According to existentialist thought, meaning is not something predetermined or given by external factors but is instead created by individuals through their choices, actions, and authentic engagement with the world.
Existentialists argue that humans are confronted with the inherent absurdity and uncertainty of existence. They contend that in the face of this existential predicament, individuals must confront the fundamental questions of life and make choices that give their existence meaning. Rather than relying on external sources of meaning, existentialism encourages individuals to take ownership of their lives and embrace the freedom to shape their own values and purpose.
Existentialists often highlight the concept of authenticity, which involves living in alignment with one’s true self, values, and aspirations. They argue that by embracing personal responsibility and making conscious choices, individuals can find meaning and fulfillment even in the face of life’s inherent challenges and uncertainties.
Materialism
The materialist’s view of meaning is rooted in the belief that the physical world and its processes are the ultimate source of meaning. Materialism asserts that reality consists solely of matter and energy, and that all phenomena, including consciousness and human experience, can be explained through the interactions of material entities.
From a materialist perspective, meaning is considered to be a product of physical processes occurring in the brain and body. Human thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are understood as manifestations of neural activity and biochemical reactions. In this view, meaning is often attributed to natural processes such as evolutionary adaptation and the pursuit of survival, reproduction, and well-being.
Materialists tend to reject supernatural or metaphysical explanations for meaning, focusing instead on empirical evidence and scientific inquiry. They argue that understanding the mechanisms underlying human cognition and behavior, including the neural correlates of meaning-making, can provide a comprehensive understanding of the nature and origins of meaning.
Ethical Theology
According to ethical theology, the ultimate purpose or meaning of human existence is found in contributing to the well-being and improvement of the world around us. It suggests that moral responsibility and ethical conduct are central to a meaningful and purposeful life. This perspective often emphasizes the importance of virtues such as compassion, justice, love, and service to others.
Ethical theology encourages individuals to align their actions with moral principles and work towards creating a more just, harmonious, and compassionate world. It rejects the notion that meaning can be derived solely from personal achievements, material possessions, or individual happiness. Instead, it posits that true meaning is found in making a positive impact on others and actively participating in the betterment of society.
Teleologism
The teleological view of meaning is rooted in the belief that there is an inherent purpose or design in the universe, and that events, entities, and actions have a purpose or goal towards which they strive. It asserts that meaning is derived from aligning one’s life and actions with this higher purpose or goal.
Teleology can be found in various philosophical, religious, and spiritual traditions. It suggests that there is an overarching order or plan in the cosmos, and that individuals have a role to play in fulfilling that plan. It emphasizes the pursuit of virtues, moral excellence, or the fulfillment of a divine or cosmic plan as sources of meaning.
From a teleological perspective, meaningfulness is often associated with the realization of a transcendent ideal, the pursuit of personal growth and development, or the contribution to the greater good of society. Engaging in activities that align with these purposes is seen as meaningful and purposeful, providing individuals with a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction.
Two Worldviews
Eternalism and nihilism represent two contrasting and popular worldviews that offer distinct perspectives on the nature of existence and the search for meaning. These two worldviews represent opposite ends of the philosophical spectrum. Eternalism seeks to find transcendent meaning and purpose in life, often through religious or spiritual beliefs, while nihilism challenges the notion of inherent meaning and embraces the absence of ultimate purpose.
Limitations of Eternalism
While a stroke of good fortune over a brief period may not have a profound impact on one’s life, discovering the essence of universal love can be truly transformative. The consistent experience of such a state, as some mystics claim, would be truly magnificent.
Eternalism can be likened to an addictive tendency. The sense of security, comprehension, and unwavering certainty that accompanies eternalism can become habit-forming. This might explain why, even when we possess a deeper understanding, we often succumb to an eternalist perspective.
Eternalism has an undeniable allure—it feels undeniably right. Consequently, when we lose it, we are driven to great lengths to regain it. We may even turn a blind eye to evident instances of randomness and go to extreme measures to eliminate any evidence of it.
Religion has a history of actively suppressing and censoring information, evidence, or viewpoints that challenge or contradict its teachings. This suppression can take various forms, including the rejection or dismissal of scientific discoveries, the condemnation of critical thinking or skepticism, the persecution of heretics or dissenters, and the enforcement of dogmatic beliefs through social, political, or legal means. This suppression hinders intellectual progress, restricts individual freedom of thought, and inhibits the pursuit of truth and understanding.
Limitations of Nhilism
Embracing nihilistic beliefs can lead to feelings of hopelessness, existential crisis, and disconnection from others. It may contribute to a sense of nihilistic fatalism, where individuals perceive their actions as inconsequential and lose motivation to strive for personal or societal improvement.
Nihilism tends to focus on deconstructing existing beliefs and systems without offering viable alternatives or constructive pathways forward. It may criticize established institutions, values, and ideologies without providing practical guidance for finding purpose or meaning in life.
Nihilism often emphasizes the insignificance of human existence within the vastness of the universe. This perspective can undermine human agency and the belief in our capacity to make a positive impact on the world. It may discourage individuals from actively engaging in meaningful endeavors or pursuing personal growth and fulfillment.
Meaningness
“Meaningness” is a term coined by Dan Chapman to capture the inherent ambiguity and uncertainty surrounding the concept of meaning. Chapman’s perspective on meaning challenges the notion that adhering to a single philosophical conviction or belief system can provide a clear and definitive understanding of meaning. Instead, he suggests that a rigid adherence to one perspective can lead to confusion and create barriers to effectively integrating meaning into our lives.
Chapman’s viewpoint acknowledges that meaning is not always straightforward or easily defined. Rather than viewing meaning as an absolute and fixed thing, he embraces the idea that meaning is a quality (not a thing) and that everything can be described as a mixture of both meaning and meaninglessness. Meaning and meaninglessness are intertwined and coexist in various aspects of life.
The alternative view proposed by Chapman encourages individuals to adopt a more nuanced approach to meaning. It suggests that we should neither become fixated on seeking meaning in everything nor deny its presence altogether. Instead, embracing the idea that meaning is often uncertain and ambiguous allows for a more holistic understanding of the complexities of life. It encourages a more flexible and open-minded approach to meaning, enabling individuals to navigate the intricacies of their existence without being confined by rigid frameworks or ideologies.