...There would be no point in ascribing meaning to life or one's existence if one does not realize that acknowledging one's existence precedes every other meaningful quest in life (Descartes & Weissman, 1996, p. 3). The three modes of being also suggestively point to the fact that, amidst our increasingly controlled and regulated universe, there exist free will amongst each individual provided they acknowledge that their existence comes before their individual essence. This challenges earlier notions of viewing the human condition as a single entity in isolation of its social context. Sartre acknowledges that human existence is intertwined and embedded in social the contexts one happens to exist in. The three modes of being are thus used to explain this dynamic existence in a sense that Sartre establishes the foundations of existentialism from them. Being-in-itself and being-for-itself are the primary modes of being that describes human consciousness. Being-for-others is a dynamic dimension used to explain our acknowledgment that we exist in a world with others and describes our varied approaches towards how we choose to encounter the 'others' in the world. The primary modes of being and the interpersonal dimension of being together provide for the concept of radical dualism that Sartre uses to explore the dynamics of existence (Sartre, 1956, p. 330-333). The existence of others constantly bombards an individual both in mind and body as he/she lives in the world. Radical dualism...
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...strong statements against the belief by asking the atheist to provide sufficient proof that God exists. However, McCloskey is not the only person who is unsure and asks questions God’s existence based on personal beliefs or influence. From the beginning many people have had questions about God and his existence. He wrote numerous books on atheism between 1960 and 1980 including the famous book, God and Evil. This paper evaluates the credibility of McCloskey’s article “On being an Atheist”. One of the McCloskey’s core arguments against theism is his demand for any proof that ascertains theists’ beliefs on God’s existence. He believed that atheism is more comforting than theism because most Christians do not believe in God because of proof but because of certain reasons and factors, he is looking for more solid evidence in God’s existence. However, there are several reasons why a person should believe in the existence of God. Firstly, theists believe that God is the creator of all things and of nature. Therefore, God is the creator of all things in existence and that affect both the atheists and theists are affected by this. The Bible also states, that Koran and other religious literatures all communicate the existence of a high power with some similar characteristics. These writings have been in existence for several years without any alteration of which both theists and atheists draw their arguments. Therefore, to some point, atheists have to believe that God exists in order to make...
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...Moral Arguments for the Existence of God Name Institution Date Introduction Moral arguments around the existence of God constitute a diverse group of arguments that reason from a certain angle of moral life or morality to God’s existence, with the general understanding of God as a morally good creator. It is important to note that moral arguments are interesting considering the fact that one has to give attention to all the philosophical issues that are handled under Metaethics in order to effectively evaluate the soundness of such arguments. On the other hand, they are important considering their dominance in famous apologetic arguments in support of religious belief. The connection that apparently exists between religion and morality tends to uphold the claim that there is need for a religious foundation that can define moral truths, or that such truths can be best elaborated by the existence of God, or some actions or qualities of God. This essay focuses on the various types of moral arguments, with the intention of drawing on the distinction between practical and theoretical or pragmatic moral arguments. As such, this paper asserts that from the moral perspective, mortal obligations constitute of rules that are imposed by a supreme being that can only be explained by a Godly figure. Moral Arguments for the Existence of God There are various moral arguments that have been established in support of the existence of God, some of which will be discussed in this section...
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...of pragmatic though within our current society. Previously established through Dewey’s theory on an organism’s life existing within and “through” skin, Sullivan harnesses the acceptance of the “transaction” allowing all processes to occur as a means positive transformation. Through the boundaries of sex and race, Sullivan reveals the human individual as a body no longer bounded by absolute substance. Instead, we can find direction and freedom within the dynamic relationship of body and environment, and address the impact of the insurmountable activities of life “on people’s lived situations and experiences” (Sullivan 3). Acknowledgment of our transactional bodies formation by mutual constitution and categorization of the world comes with the examination of the “hidden assumptions and blind spots” that accompany a particular perspective, and ultimately, the potential of changed habit for achieving what Dewey previously defines as a Great community (Sullivan 4). By encouraging the collaboration and advantages of a transactional perspective of our own body, Sullivan wishes to free the boundaries of fixed habit and improve bodily existence through a blend of 20th Century pragmatism. Sullivan’s concern remains within the social, ethical, and epistemological implications of transactional bodies, encouraging the explanation of the true harm and benefit of different transactions onto different people. Subject and object compartmentalized as separate entities suggest an exchange...
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...implications on religion, legal and ethical factors among others. Philosophers since time immemorial have debated extensively on the existence or the nonexistence of free will in nature.one of this philosophical figure is David Hume, he maintains that humans are free because of decisions and their actions. This is so because though determined, they are determined by our individual motives. He demonstrated that determinism is a very integral part to the existence of individual free will. This therefore means that because our actions being determined causally by our motives and character human beings are morally responsible and are free willed. This then becomes a point of objection because if everything is caused, then what we decide is itself caused. Hume argues that human motives and desire is the Couse of their decisions. Determinism argument is not that we are free but that free will exists. The other philosopher who contributed this debate is Thomas Hobbes. He had a slightly different view on determinism and free will from those held by Hume. He said that God is the ultimate origin of every action, but if humans are not physically required to do any action, there is free will. Hobbes developed his thesis in name of liberty vs. necessity, as opposed free will vs. outwardly determined will. The order in which events followed leading to an individual being blown off a cliff by the wind can be said to have caused that event that was the necessary consequence of a sequence of causes...
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...living in the world he is engaged with a sense of profound anxiety or dread that arises when he the individual is engage in choosing, reflecting, thinking, acting and behaving in an actual situation and he clearly understand that he or she is clearly responsible for the choices that are made. With all the above in mind the philosophical term can be define as Existentialism. Existentialism is a philosophical movement that views the individual, the self, the individual’s experience and the uniqueness therein as the basis for understanding the nature of human existence. Existentialism is a highly diverse and wide-ranging philosophy. Even though it is so varied there are some common themes that can be found throughout it: Existence precedes Essence - In other words, you need existence to have essence. There is no predetermined “true thing”, it has to already exist in order to become what it is. Anxiety and Anguish - The fear or dread which is not directed at any specific object, it’s just there. Anguish is the dread of the nothingness of human existence, the meaningless of it. Absurdity - Granted, a man is his own existence, but this existence is absurd. Everybody is here, everybody exists, but there is no reason as to why. We’re just here, that’s it, no excuses. Nothingness - There is nothing that structures this world’s existence, Man’s existence, or even the existence of my computer. There is no essence that these things are drawn from,...
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...Meaning and Existentialism in My Life - Existentialism is a phiosophy which revolves around the central belief that we create ourselves. External factors are not important. It is the way that we let external factors affect us that determines who we are. As individuals we all have the freedom to choose our own path and that is what life is all about. Along with the freedom of choice comes the responsibilty of one's actions which can make some people anxious but give others meaning to their lives. To overcome this anxiousness and accept responsibilty is to meet the challenges of life and to truly live it.... [tags: Existentialism, ] 675 words (1.9 pages) $14.95 [preview] Understanding Existentialism - Do we matter. Do we seek personal happiness in life. These are questions from existentialism. The dictionary defines existentialism as an individual’s experience filled with isolation in a hostile universe where a human being attempts to find true self and the meaning of life through free will, choice, and personal responsibility. Hamlet is an existentialist character who believes that he is forced to avenge his father’s death and the hatred builds in his heart because of the many betrayals which direct him towards a senseless life and constant thoughts about suicide; this ultimately leads to his demise and he is left with naught.... [tags: Existentialism] 872 words (2.5 pages) $14.95 [preview] Life Value vs. Existentialism in Grendel - A main theme in John Gardner’s Grendel...
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...The inquiry of the existence of God is a central question in the philosophy of religion. The notion of an omnipotent, all powerful creator is perhaps the most perplexing metaphysical notion. Philosophers have approached addressing God via a priori methods, or by modes independent of experience, or conversely, by a posteriori, or by appealing to experience. This essay will interpret and unpack the central arguments brought forth by Bertrand Russell and Frederick Copleston. “A Debate on the Argument from Contingency” is an a posteriori argument, Copleston’s bases his argument on the assumption that the universe is the sum of contingent objects, and as such, there must be a necessary being which explains its existence. The notion of contingency is essentially contested by Russell, this contention monopolizes the nature of the debate. Russell assumes the position that the notion of contingency is a useless metaphysical notion, and even if it were real, there are restrictions in the realm within which contingency operates. In “A Debate on the Argument from Religious Experience”...
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...Notes on Existentialism Compiled for PSY 345 (Fall 2004) Existentialism provides a moving account of the agony of being in the world. The spirit of existentialism has a long history in philosophy. But it became a major movement in the second half of the 20th century. Existentialism is not a systematic body of thought like Marxism or psychoanalysis. Instead, it is more like an umbrella under which a very wide range of thinkers struggled with questions about the meaning of life. Much of the appeal and popularity of Existentialism is due to the sense of confusion, the crisis, and the feeling of rejection and rootlessness that Europeans felt during World War II and its aftermath. Existentialism’s focus on each person’s role in creating meaning in their life was a major influence on the Phenomenological and Humanistic traditions in psychology and on the “human potential” movement that emerged from them. Rene Descartes (1596-1650) said, “Conquer yourself rather than the world.”. To modern existentialists this means that the World itself has no real meaning or purpose. It is not the unfolding expression of Human Destiny or a Divine plan, or even a set of natural laws. The only meaning is that which we create by acts of will. To have a meaningful life we have to act. But we should act without hope. Acting is meaningful but it doesn’t create meaning that lasts beyond the acts themselves or beyond our own lifetime. You are what you do – while you are doing it – and then nothing. (Very...
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...INTRODUCTION There is in every society or community a conscious effort to maintain peace, and preserve mutual respect of individual’s goods, rights, and properties through gradual inculcation of rationally derived principles, ethical norms and trends. In the main, these principles seem to be borne out of the day-to-day experiences arising from human encounter and interactions. Often they are formulated in succinct formulas to instill discipline, and promote mutual relationship among the individuals in the society. In other words, both the ethical norms and principles are the fruits of man’s daily reflections concerning what is conducive for human welfare. They are veritable instruments at the service of the society as a whole. Since man is at the centre of every community, traditional or modern, he is ipso facto, an undeniable formulator of moral principles and norms. He uses his welfare, and a sense of common good as a moral standard of justice. In other words, whatever promotes the common good, and individuals’ welfare is considered “good” and “just”, and whatever does not, is seen as evil. It is from this perspective that this paper seeks to demonstrate, articulate and appraise the Igbo concept of justice (Ofo), which is more or less a communal justice. The interest of this write-up is limited on the idea of justice practice in the Igbo land and it efficacy before the advent of colonialism, which will be introduced with a definition of terms. It will further attempt to analyze the...
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...Evaluating Evidence for the Existence of UFOs Name Institution In the “Perspectives on Evaluating Evidence for the Existence of UFOs”, Edward Condon and Royston Paynter have divergent and convergent views about whether or not UFOs exist. Condon's general contention is that we don't have adequate proof to demonstrate UFO's existence. He firmly believes they don't exist. He expresses that individual perspective focuses or sightings don't bolster a genuine general view that UFO's do exist. He likewise contends that teachings of UFOs are decimating students. The author's principle point is that we have not concentrated on UFOs enough to know whether they exist or not on the grounds that the legislature overlooks the UFOs that are not known. The author clarifies that we could say that UFO' do exist due to numerous sightings by several individuals from various societies around the globe. Paynter's fundamental point is that if we don't have genuine physical proof of a UFO or aliens, then they don't exist. He additionally expresses that if individuals’ claim that they were stole by aliens, then they require genuine evidence proves or supports their argument. For example, uncommon DNA or characteristics, or anything that demonstrates they are from aliens. He additionally expresses that more research should be done on UFOs. Paynter’s argument to some extent holds water since he says that the law of physics will not be violated it were to be said that the aliens visited the...
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...Research Joe Carter Bob Andrews Religion 212 June 4, 2012 Report on Religious Field Research Religion is defined by Brodd (2003) as a collection of beliefs concerning the existence of nature, the purpose of the universe, the existence of human beings, and deities. Religion is usually related to the cultural beliefs systems, which are connected to humankind, spirituality, and the moral values. There are different types of religions in the world that have different signs, beliefs, descriptions, ethnicity, and, sanctified accounts that explain the meaning and origin of life and the universe. Through the accounts ideas, principals, morals, sacred laws, and the way of life are generated in addition to the existence of the universe and the human nature. Examples of religions include Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, Islam, and atheism. Among all the religions, atheism tends to be different from the others as it is not similar from any of the others. I watched a program on atheist and this encouraged me to conduct a research on atheism through interviewing an atheist and through books to gain a complete understanding of atheism. According Neilson (1985), atheism is said to have a great connection in the lack of beliefs of God’s existence. This situation occurs due to a purposeful choice of not believing or from a natural failure to believe the religious teachings of a certain religion, which literally seems unbelievable. For the past few years...
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...“human condition” will include the topics of “existence precedes essence”, and absurdity. The paper will also discuss the existential relationship with others mostly described by Sartre’s literary work No Exit and analysis from Being and Nothingness. Components of Existential Philosophy This paper will firstly discuss the major existential principle of existence preceding essence. This notion is discussed by Sartre’s (1946) lecture “Existentialism is Humanism”. This central theme existence preceding essence is the backbone for most existential thought and that is why it is discussed and understood thoroughly from the beginning of this paper. This leads to the existential thought, absurdity of life. Life being absurd is a component of the existential human condition and this is discussed using The Myth of Sisyphus as a beacon of how absurdity applies to life and happiness. This was written and discussed by Camus in his work The Myth of Sisyphus. Lastly this paper will discuss how others impact the individual or human relationships, discussed by Sartre. His thesis regarding others interactions are that it is Hell. This is the central theme in his play No Exit, and unpacking this existential thought this paper will use his work Being and Nothingness. Human Condition Existence comes before essence; this is a main theme found in existential philosophy. Sartre (1946) states in his lecture “Existentialism is Humanism”, the theme existence precedes essence, is an ideal that all existential...
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...Title: Personal Theory Paper – Existential Theory Existential Theory There are numerous counseling theories available to explain human behavior. Unlike many other theories, Existentialism explains human behavior through a person’s response to existence. “Existential psychotherapy is a dynamic approach to therapy which focuses on concerns that are rooted in the individual’s existence (Yalom, 1980, p. 5). Existentialism seeks to give meaning to questions humans ask such as: What does it all mean? Why am I here? What should I do with my life? Existential theorists believe in the uniqueness of human beings, and that each is responsible for choosing his or her own fate. This paper will summarize the structure of personality and function of personality as they apply to Existential Theory. Further discussion of the factors of environment, healthy functions, and unhealthy functions as they relate to client problem sources will be addressed. Existentialism does not have one father, or school of thought, per se. There are several philosophers who have contributed to the Existential Theory. Those philosophers include Friedrich Nietzsche, Jean-Paul Sartre, Gabriel Marcel, Victor Frankl, and Irvin Yalom. While these are not the only contributors to Existentialism as a therapy, these philosophers are central to the meaning of Existentialism. Structure of Personality Existentialists believe humans are born with free will (choice of lifestyle), responsibility for...
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...every individual, “God” cannot be seen, heard, or touched. Scientifically, there is no concrete proof of God’s existence. Simply, an atheist would assert that God does not exist due to scientific reasoning and logic and Rowe’s argument from evil. However, a theist would refute the atheist’s argument with Paley’s design argument and Swinburne’s free will defense. Ultimately, what can truly be known about God’s existence? God’s Existence Versus Logic From an atheist’s perspective, there is no evidence supporting God’s...
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