Nihilism BTFO

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Nihilism BTFO Anonymous Sun Apr 7 06:40:44 2019 No.12895130 [Reply] [Original]

In order to make a reasonable assertion on human behavior, we must presuppose that all human behavior has some reasoning to it. We may debate endlessly on what that reasoning was, but we must assume that there is some reason. This is the bedrock of philosophy.

The core tenant of nihilism is that there exists no inherent meaning in any human action. This, however, is a falsifiable thesis statement.

Let's analyze the term "meaning". What does "meaning" mean? It can mean one of to things:

1. A synonym for reason.

2. Anything other than the definition listed above.

As stated above, all human behavior must have some reasoning. Therefore, we can rule out the first definition of the term.

The only other option is the second term. The problem here is that this is now something so broad and vague that there is fundamentally definition for the term.

The nihilist may retaliate with, "Meaningless here means a lack of impact or significance."

This, as well, cannot be true. Clearly the subject had their reasons for doing it, so it have some significance to the subject.

Referring to the laws of physics, the actions taken by the individual would've had some impact on either the subject or the object, or both.

They might not have had MUCH significance or impact, but they would have had SOME.

So we can now say that the nihilistic definition of "meaning" is some amorphous, non-descriptive term that tells us nothing about human behavior. At it's core, philosophy is an attempt to investigate human behavior.

Therefore, nihilism =/= philosophy.

So then what is nihilism?

Let's start with what it isn't: It isn't a history, nor is it an art, or a math, or a science, if we are to use those terms in their traditional meaning.

From my observation, the only sensible answer is that nihilism is a psychology. More specifically, nihilism is a tool, or a coping mechanism. For some, it's a way of coping with the stresses of the world, removing themselves from any sort of duty or responsibility. For some, it's a way of justifying unjustifiable behavior. But for quite a few, a tool to separate themselves from the ugliness of the world. No matter how much they tell themselves that they have agonized over the subject, nihilists are secretly relieved. They are now separate from the people they despise so much.

The alternative is that they are depressed/anxious, and the notion of nothingness is no more than a manifestation for their feelings of emptiness.

So please, if you wish to discuss nihilism, please carry your discussion over to >>>/pol/ or >>>/r9k/. This is a board for real philosophical discussion.

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