Thanatonic nihilism
Thanatonic nihilism is a philosophical view that holds that life is meaningless as long as the inevitability of death remains.
Background[edit]
According to thanatonic nihilists, death causes all values, purposes, and achievements to be nullified, since nothing can survive or transcend the end of existence. Thanatonic nihilists may also argue that life is absurd, since humans are constantly striving for goals that will all ultimately be erased by death. Either agnostic or atheist in their religious beliefs, while they may hope for an afterlife, they are unsure of its basis in reality and may accept death as the complete and eternal cessation of one's existence. This view may cause distress for many thanatonic nihilists, who hope that with rapid advances in modern medicine, humanity will soon find a cure for aging and the factors that make death unavoidable so that the option to live indefinitely becomes widely available.
Thanatonic nihilism can be seen as a form of existential nihilism, which denies that life has any intrinsic meaning or value. However, thanatonic nihilists may differ from other existential nihilists in that they base their view on the specific fact of mortality, rather than on the general lack of objective or transcendent values. Thanatonic nihilists may also differ from other existential nihilists in how they respond to their view. Some existential nihilists[who?] may adopt a positive or creative attitude, and try to create their own meaning or values in life, despite acknowledging their ultimate futility. Thanatonic nihilists, on the other hand, may adopt a negative or pessimistic attitude, and see no point in pursuing any goals or pleasures in life, since it is believed they will all be lost in death.
Thanatonic nihilism can be contrasted with other philosophical views that address the relationship between death and meaning. For example, some existentialists[who?] may argue that death gives life meaning by creating a sense of urgency, finitude, and responsibility. Some religious or spiritual views[which?] may argue that death does not negate meaning, but rather leads to a higher or different form of existence, such as an afterlife, reincarnation, or union with a divine source. Some humanists[who?] or optimists[who?] may argue that death does not diminish meaning, but rather enhances it by making life precious, unique, and valuable.
This view may have various implications or consequences for individuals or societies who adopt or encounter it. It may affect their attitudes, behaviors, choices, relationships, morals, goals, well-being, happiness, etc. It may also inspire them to seek alternative views or solutions to cope with the problem of death and meaninglessness.
In culture[edit]
There are few historical or contemporary figures who explicitly endorse thanatonic nihilism as a philosophical position. However, many aspects of this way of thinking may be found in the writings or expressions of some thinkers or artists who have explored the themes of death and meaninglessness. For example:
- The ancient Greek philosopher Epicurus argued that death is nothing to us, since we do not experience it when we are alive, and we do not exist when we are dead. He also argued that we should not fear death, since it is the end of all sensations and emotions.[1]
- The 19th-century German philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer argued that life is suffering, and that the only way to escape it is through death. He also argued that life is a futile cycle of desire and frustration, and that nothing can satisfy our will to live.[2]
- French philosopher Albert Camus argued that life is absurd, and that we must confront the absurdity of our existence in the face of death. He also argued that we must rebel against the absurdity of life by affirming our freedom and dignity.[3]
- The 20th-century American novelist Ernest Hemingway wrote about the themes of death and meaninglessness in his works, including The Sun Also Rises and A Farewell to Arms. He also expressed his own disillusionment and despair with life in his suicide note.[4]
- 20th-century American poet Sylvia Plath wrote about the themes of death and meaninglessness in her works such as The Bell Jar and Ariel. She also expressed her own depression and suicidal tendencies in her personal journals.[5]
Thanatonic nihilism is not a widely accepted philosophical view. It may be criticized or challenged by various arguments or perspectives that affirm or defend the meaning or value of life in spite of or because of death, or seen as a psychological or emotional state rather than a rational or logical one. The view may be influenced by factors such as personal experience, cultural context, existential crisis, mental illness, or cognitive bias.
References[edit]
- ↑ "Epicurus | Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy". Retrieved 2023-06-06.
- ↑ Wicks, Robert (2021), "Arthur Schopenhauer", in Zalta, Edward N., The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Fall 2021 ed.), Metaphysics Research Lab, Stanford University, retrieved 2023-06-06
- ↑ "Albert Camus | Biography, Books, Philosophy, Death, & Facts | Britannica". www.britannica.com. Retrieved 2023-06-06.
- ↑ "Ernest Hemingway - Books, Quotes & House". Biography. 2021-05-07. Retrieved 2023-06-06.
- ↑ Foundation, Poetry (2023-06-05). "Sylvia Plath". Poetry Foundation. Retrieved 2023-06-06.
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