Philosophy and the Future - Assignment Example

Philosophy and the Future Absurdism is a belief that life has no meaning. This philosophy was actually put forward by Albert Camus. According to this belief, life is just a game and there is no reason that a person should enjoy his life when he already knows that the end of this life would always be the defeat of mankind that is a person would eventually die. He explained that a person should either commit suicide knowing that life has no meaning. The second way out according to him was that a person should adopt the religious way of life and this is actually living a false life according to him and it is worse than committing suicide because he believes that this way a person kills his thoughts. The last theory that he put forward was that a person should accept the fact of absurdism and in this way he would lead a better life. The reason behind this is that a person knows that life has no meaning and in that way he would live his life to the fullest. Absurdism is one philosophy which actually denies a proper meaning to life. Many philosophers have argued against this. If absurdism is a belief that is universally accepted then it can be argued that the meaning of philosophy it self is nothing because since life has no purpose then why should one actually assess its outcome and search for a way of living. Not believing in life would actually mean not believing in one’s own existence. A logical explanation to the meaning of life is essential and it must be considered. The meaning of life is one thing that a person must analyze so that he understands his own existence. It is something that a person derives from learning and knowledge. Absurdism is actually an easy way out that a person discovers when he denies his search of life. Absurdism is actually living a life of self denial. Meaning of life can be understood on the basis of religion as is accepted by many. It can also be based upon the principles of utilitarianism which indicates that the purpose of leading a normal life is dependant upon the principle of happiness which indicates that a person performs those acts which would bring about the maximum happiness. Religion and utilitarianism teach a person about his own existence, about the purpose of life and the creation of a happy and healthy world. Human beings are finite beings. Despite of that many philosophers have put forward the theory about the existence of God who as explained is an infinite, Supreme Being. This means that human beings definitely have the power to consider and examine about the infinite being. Human beings are superior to many other animals as they have the power to think and analyze. This power has been given to them by the infinite being Himself so that they can research and reach to the depth of every cause. It can be believed that the final cause to everything is God. God has given the human beings this knowledge and power so that they can think about this infinite being and it is very obvious that when more than half of the world believes in the existence of God, this very belief shows that though finite beings, humans have been shown the path so that they may know about the infinite being and give their lives a meaning. This world is full of flaws and imperfections. We always say that nobody can ever be perfect and this is something which is very true. When we believe that God is the perfect being how can we even suppose that someone else can be perfect. We could also put it this way that if God created perfect beings it would be like creating another God by God himself and this is not how it is. If everybody in the world was perfect than there would have been no belief of a perfect being and a controller who controls everything else. If everyone would have been perfect no one would have even thought about someone who was better than them and superior to them who was actually the reason behind their existence. This imperfection mainly in a person makes him think and believe that there has to be someone superior to them someone who does not have all these flaws and this makes an imperfect human being to believe and think about a perfect being that is God. And definitely all human beings would not collectively think of a perfect being if a perfect being actually did not exist. This all provides us with the reasons for the existence of a perfect being. A belief in a perfect and Supreme Being actually diverts a person to religion. It is better to have a meaning to live than not to have a meaning at all. Religion to life is as soul is to the body and both go together. It gives life its meaning and teaches a person that it is the existence of God which gives a person a reason to live and it explains that all actions are answerable to God and hence it shows a person the right path. Religion teaches one morality, ethics and about right and wrong. With much advancement in life and the use of human knowledge people have found out new techniques and ways of leading and modifying lives. An important part of this is biotechnology and genetic engineering. These are methods which have actually improved ways of living and provided human beings with better quality of life. There are many arguments regarding these technologies because many philosophers argue that these methods and practices are unethical and in these ways scientists are actually defying nature and working against it. But there is another group which argues that these are just advancements in technology which a person learns through experience and his learning and they have actually put humans a step ahead for leading a better life and shaping their lives. The idea of genetic engineering and biotechnology is an important one and these are areas in which research can actually make a person improve their lives. It should not be forgotten that it is God only who has given humans the capability to think and mold their lives in better ways. There was a time of Stone Age and discovery started then with humans discovering the idea of lighting a fire. This progress has always taken place and a person uses his capabilities to find out new ways to over come difficulties. In a similar way genetic engineering and biotechnology should also be considered in a similar manner. It is a step ahead that humans have reached by means of their knowledge. Cures to diseases which are not compatible with life or which handicap a person can be cured with these methods. Vegetables and fruits can be genetically engineered and they can be made available all round the year. It is also an important consideration that everything has its positive and negative effects. But it all depends on the ways that a person uses it. We can consider the example of a fire which can actually heat food or provide warmth to a person. But again it can be cause of huge forest fires or it can lead to destruction. In a similar way genetic engineering and biotechnology is something which is helpful to humans but if it is misused it can have harmful effects. Read More