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Point of view: A modern nihilism

Krellenstein, Dr. Marc (2006) Point of view: A modern nihilism. [Preprint]

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Abstract

Presents the author’s view of the best current positions on certain core philosophical and psychological problems. These positions together suggest a traditional nihilist perspective modified by evolutionary psychology and other contemporary thinking that accepts limitations on our understanding (rather than the conclusive non-existence of certain explanations), the psychological (if not absolute) reality of values, free will and other phenomena and our desire to live as best we can. The positions presented are: (1) the origin of the universe cannot be understood, (2) morality has no absolute rational foundation, (3) some people have unquestioned beliefs they view as absolute, (4) we don’t really have free will but can act as if we do, (5) brains are conscious but we don’t know how, (6) we live by relative values, biological dispositions, upbringing, habit and choice and (7) we don’t know how much we can modify ourselves, what makes us happy or what we value.

Item Type:Preprint
Keywords:ethics, metaphysics, evolutionary psychology, nihilism, philosophy of mind, pragmatism
Subjects:Psychology > Evolutionary Psychology
Philosophy > Ethics
Philosophy > Metaphysics
ID Code:4815
Deposited By:Krellenstein, Dr. Marc
Deposited On:01 Apr 2006
Last Modified:11 Mar 2011 08:56

References in Article

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