2007-01-28 14:28:26 · 11 answers · asked by Jackie G 1 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
Ok, since no-one seems in the mood to give serious answers I will give it a shot.
First, let me ask you: what is the meaning of rocks?
If you are a little puzzled, don't worry. I am just trying to make a point here. This point is that nothing has an inherent meaning.
Meaning is a concept that humans create. Thus, there can never be a one-size-fits-all answer to your question. A religious person may tell you that the meaning of life (since this is posted in philosophy I assume that you meant the meaning of 'life') is to serve God et cetera, yet this answer would be based on the assumed premise that there is a God, and that this God actually wants us to serve her/him and a variety of other prior claims. So it becomes clear that the answers you will get will always be based on peoples' prior experiences and perceptions.
Let's look at it it terms of semantics (a branch of linguistics):
Any word is really just a mix of sounds. None of these sounds have an inherent meaning. The meaning of the sounds or letter combination 'pen' is created through a matrix of agreed meaning in the English language (though there is variation in that, too). Think about what you pictured when you read 'pen'. Was it a ball-point pen, a pencil or a texta? All of these are pens, yet how do you know which of these is meant by the word pen? Of course, all of them are meant, but not because the sound necessarily represents them, nor because of any other magical inherent meaning. It is only because all English-speakers (to some extent) agree that these three letters mean 'something you can write/draw (etc) with'. But at the same time, I could take a rock and draw something onto wood by scratching into the surface. Does that make it a pen? You may decide that for yourself.
It is essentially the same with the meaning of concepts, not just words. I believe this is the essence of sayings like "life is what you make of it" and so on. 'Your' meaning of life is created through the matrix of your prior experiences and beliefs. A rock is just a rock until you interpret it (according to your ideas) and use it for something to make it meaningful. It is the same with everything else, from simple objects through to complex concepts.
2007-01-28 15:06:44 · answer #1 · answered by Pietzki 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It depends what you are asking. Are you asking whether the English word "god" has a meaning; and if so what is it? Or are you asking whether "God (the Creator" has meaning in who He is and what He does? The first question about the Eng word "god"; well to be honest, I do NOt know what is the origin of the word. I guess I can check online, but that would be me just regurgitating what someone else has written. I tend to think of the Eng word "god" to refer to "a or the Creator". When used of the biblical God, then I would refer to "God" as meaning "the uncreated Creator who is full of power and might; a king who has the right and ability to judge, but is not confined to a physical form" As for whether the God of the Bible has meaning... I would say that the question is the wrong way round: the God of the Bible is the means by which ALL else has meaning. No thing can have meaning unless the God of the Bible is truly who He says He is. I understand then that this implies that one has to accept that the God of the Bible - 1 - Exists 2 - Can be experienced by mankind 3 - The Bible is an accurate account of God communicating with mankind (in its original language) I guess what could help answer the second question is "Why should anything have meaning?" Or better still "Why are humans looking for meaning in things?" across ALL cultures throughout all of recorded history... Hope this helps
2016-03-29 07:18:51 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
What is the meaning of life?
There is no meaning. We are just here, well, because we are here. There is no reason and no place we came from. We live, right here, right now.
I don't mean it to sound harsh, but that's the only way I could put it into words.
I hope I was helpful. Good luck!
2007-01-28 15:03:30 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dictionary according to daggo
Adjective, pronounced ( lie'n-fee )
1.)It is the price one pays for telling tall tails.
2.) in Nirobi it is the standard acceptable token of trade for purchasing large cats.
3. The amount charged to ones credit card when purchasing a matress from any store.
2007-01-28 14:39:11 · answer #4 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I assume you mean lint?
The meaning of lint is probably tied to sin. You know, give us a hard time, embarrasment, worn clothes, work work work to buy new clothes and new lint!
Repeat cycle, yeah, life is just like a washing machine. Oh yeah, don't forget to clean the lint filter! Sorry to harass you but that is what lint is all about.
2007-01-28 14:49:16 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I don't know what LINFE is? Is that an english word?
2007-01-28 14:31:09 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Better yet,can YOU tell ME what "linfe" is?!?
2007-01-28 14:31:50 · answer #7 · answered by Terri R 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
never heard of it
2007-01-28 14:30:59 · answer #8 · answered by Militant Agnostic 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
linfe? not sure! Let me know when you find out! :-)
2007-01-28 14:31:18 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
linf? you mean linux rite? :)
2007-01-28 14:37:20 · answer #10 · answered by Mayonaise 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋