Eventually (in the far distant future), humanity may collectively leave behind the practices and beliefs of religion, theism, spirituality and absolutism. Nihilism may even take the place of most, maybe even all, skepticism.
Just as we may have evolved from cognitively simple, instinctual primates into beings capable of abstract, philosophical thought, can we also eventually evolve to cope with the idea that existence is ultimately meaningless and thus avoid degeneration into a self-destructive chaos?
I don't really expect any good answers in this section, but who knows? Maybe someone will surprise me. :P
If not, I'll just try again in the Philosophy section. ;) But this IS relevant to the R&S section, so I thought I'd try here first to see what happens.
2007-10-30 18:51:48 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Well, I'll start of by saying that an existence in which neither absolutism nor skepticism is a bit contradictory assuming any thought is occurring at all... Furthermore, I'm not sure I'd view an entirely Nihilistic world as approaching anything like "self-destructive chaos", depressing, and under-productive, sure, but no ultimate meaning does not mean that people wouldn't see reasons to preform any tasks. There have been productive nihilists..
Anyway, with all that out of the way, I don't really think it is a question as to whether or not it would happen. It's something I'd relate much more to anthropological ideas relating to cultural evolution, than to biological evolution, but behaviors that are maladaptive for the group in general don't remain in a culture for long, and there are a few behaviors well-suited for theistic cultures that may prove to be rather strongly maladaptive for a completely secular society.
Of course, at the same time, whatever adaptations do occur if such a change is made may not result in what we currently would see as "positive" changes. Some inquisitiveness may be lost in such a society because they downplay a need for such things as meaning to result in a happier people... But really speculation in exactly what changes would happen seems rather silly, as it is hard to predict, all that can be known is that the culture will drop behaviors that don't benefit it over time with a reasonable degree of certainty, which means either it'll be worked out, they shall revert back to religion, or, more likely, a little of both.
2007-10-30 19:10:42 · answer #1 · answered by yelxeH 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
"can we also eventually evolve to cope with the idea that existence is ultimately meaningless and thus avoid degeneration into a self-destructive chaos?"
I wonder why you'd think one would with surety follow the other? If, in fact, humans came to terms with the idea that life has no meaning - that there is no good over evil, or God over earthly existence, then isn't it equally likely that this would hasten our headlong dive into self destruction? How would it help us avoid it? I doubt very much that humanity will ever let go of religious philosophy - by nature, we need explanation, even when one isn't naturally evident or obvious - I imagine a world-wide conversion to nihilism is a huge unlikelihood. Sorry. :(
2007-10-31 02:07:29 · answer #2 · answered by Eileen 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
For those who dont believe in a bigger cause there is no hope except self-destruction. The belief in a GOD, which ever it may be, gives us hope and structure to our lives. Humans will continue to evolve into smarter more philosophical beings. In doing so some of us will be drawn nearer to our creator not farther away and some will fall away. One thing will always remain, our Heavenly Father will always be there whether we believe or not.
2007-10-31 02:13:26 · answer #3 · answered by David B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nihilism is one of the great causes of problems in our society. Yes, false religion certainly plays its part in the downfall of humanity. But if everyone adopts a 'live for now, cause we're dead tomorrow' attitude, selfishness is the rule of the day, and ultimately unselfish love ceases to exist.
2007-10-31 02:04:42 · answer #4 · answered by Epitome_inc 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Things will continue evolving as usual. Religion and theism is only a condition limited to man. God is forever; He is eternal. He is not dependent on what creatures think about Him and the Universe. He is much way beyond that. This is one thing we can be sure of, His love will forever be there to support his creation in its unfolding of universal mysteries.
2007-10-31 02:07:51 · answer #5 · answered by Gentle Breeze 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We don't care about the afterwords. I'll be dead then. The purpose is to embrace the happiness in the existence we lead, even if brought on by some primal instincts and emotions. We all like to be happy, right? Then be happy. even if everything melts away, you'll still have those memories, and happy times that you experienced, and in the moment, experienced a sensation that's beyond the definition of our limited language.
To sum up,It's about now, not about tomorrow.
2007-10-31 02:00:41 · answer #6 · answered by Melty Blood 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I don't think that nihilism per se, is the alternative. IMHO, although we are indeed left without OBJECTIVE meaning per nihilism without religion, we are not left without RELATIVE meaning, and that makes all the difference. Secular ethics are not only possible, but proven to be actual through case history.
2007-10-31 02:03:57 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Religion and Theism will NOT cease to be practised,because there will be NO far distant future.
2007-10-31 02:32:36 · answer #8 · answered by ROBERT P 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Everyone will listen to metal and be nihilists in the future. I have foreseen it on Adult Swim
2007-10-31 02:01:34 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋