Alright Atheists, one more - Why is it impossible that humans do not have a higher purpose?

Question

Many previous responses indicated that I crossed the meaning of purpose and confuse it with "function".
-Purpose - 1 a : something set up as an object or end to be attained
-Function - 2 : the action for which a person or thing is specially fitted or used or for which a thing exists : PURPOSE
Merriam-Webster
Purpose and Function are interchangeable. If some species have a function or purpose and that is the nature of this world, then why does it not also make sense that Humans could not only have a function or purpose in this world but a higher purpose in the universe since we have the ability to comprehend it? What is the function for this understanding? I truly am just trying to understand, but the answers I get do not answer my questions.

Answer 1

Humans repeatedly make the same mistake related to this question: They seek the answer from a human-centric perspective, much as they once primitively perceived that the Earth was the center of the Universe, or, that humans held domain over this planet without perceiving our interconnectiveness with all other life and forces upon this planet. Asian philosophies perceived humanity's place better in the world, as evidenced by how people are depicted in their art as small parts of a painting's composition of a natural setting. Western art traditionally focuses on humans in such a composition and portrays them as larger than their true proportional function in an environment. Even Western "god" concepts are in the image of man. So, what else, then, should one "follow" in lieu of humanity in an exploration of our purpose or function to find an objective answer? The answer, as are all answers, can be found in Nature, but only when one seeks and lucidly considers the most universal, objective perspective and can truly peceive man's minute role in that natural scheme. As tempting and delicious as it might be to examine this question from humanity's self-centered, subjective, drifting set of meanings, not until the true physical dynamics of the Universe are perceived can one discover the utterly astonishing joy of our "purpose". If one wants to discover our purpose, observe and learn about Nature. There's a big secret there that anyone can find. Those who find it, ascend and generally leave the society of humans.

Answer 2

We do have a purpose or a function we have to prolliferate the species or we cease to exist just like every other living thing on this planet. Isn't that enough? Animals don't need to know why, they just do it. Do they have to have some spiritual purpose to exist? Do they have to worship anything, no they just need to survive. You could say the only reason we exist is for nature and then that would mean we are all interconnected as one huge Gigantic being with many interchangeable parts and that is it. Its a theory, it sounds more logical than some superbeing with a magic wand doesnt it?

Answer 3

It's not. even without a god figure, there can be a "higher purpose".

Our purpose as a species is to help other members of the species. Even without a god to make doing good things for people some sort of "moral quest" it still makes logical sense.

Our purpose is to do things that are good, because doing good things in and of itself is good. You shouldn't have to have the carrot of heaven dangled in front of you to want to do well onto others.

Atheism is essentially a religion, just as what ever you chose to believe is a religion. So get over the fact that they think differently than you and instead try to bridge the gap and work with them for the benefit of everyone.

Answer 4

The nuanced difference is that you assign purpose, someone else assigns your function. In your life, you have a purpose. In the military, you have a function.

You can have a purpose, and it can be higher than simple material gain, wealth, and pleasure. Why is something like "saving the environment" or "being a victim's advocate" or "teaching children to read" not a purpose worthy of you? Why does it have to involve sucking up to an invisible deity?

Answer 5

I think you probably meant why is it impossible that humans can have a purpose. What species has a function? What has a purpose? How can you say that a cow's purpose is to provide milk for us - that's a very egocentric position. Nothing has a purpose.

Answer 6

Your question is explanation why faith is so powerful. there are diverse human beings obtainable who can no longer handle that kind of thinking. as quickly as you're taking a step back and in reality attempt and hold close how thoroughly insignificant we are indoors the grand scope of subject concerns, it is sufficient to rigidity some human beings mad. human beings could opt to adventure that the are someway particular, that their lives remember and that their jiffy in this international isn't the shrink back of their existence. so as that they turn to faith. think of of roughly it, each and every faith delivers some desire of continuity. Be it a heaven/hell or reincarnation. i'm an atheist. As for me, I do adventure that as quickly as we are long long gone, it particularly is it. there is no afterlife, no rebirth or reincarnation; and that i'm pleased with that. i understand that when I die, i could be long long gone continuously. So all i will do is delight in the time that I do have in whichever way i will. I attempt and touch as many distinctive lives as i will, by reality yet it particularly is egotistical, i could opt to be remembered, in spite of if it is by ability of way of making use of those i grow to be on the component of to.

Answer 7

I get to decide what my purpose is. You get to decide yours. Some of us may work with others towards a common goal. Some purposes are noble, some cruel. What do you mean by "higher"?

Answer 8

Higher than what?

Now, bear in mind that I'm an agnostic, and not an athiest, so I've no dog in this fight, but I would like to ask whether, given that the existence of God can neither be proved or disproved, you don't think you're pissing up a rope.

Answer 9

maybe atheists believe a higher purpose evolves with in the self. Intelligence, sweetheart.

and this from a pagan.

truth and knowledge come from with in. that's how we invented the wheel.

Answer 10

That is because they don't know the answers. They just want to bash people. I get sick of it. They will put some kind of science crap up here and try to make you look like an idiot. That is their job or function in life. They can be rude but if a christian is rude, they report us.