In The Absurd, Nagel (1971) observes that people seeking to escape from the absurdity of human life may resort to broader ultimate concerns, with religion and the glory of God constituting one of the larger enterprises pursued by people. However, Nagel (1971) is adamant that even the existence of God may be insufficient to give human life a purpose or meaning. A careful analysis of Nagel’s argument leads to agreement with his position, informed by his observations regarding the ability to cast doubt upon the larger purpose, which is God’s plan in the case.
Nagel (1971) begins with the view that humans may try to escape the absurd position and supply their lives with meaning through fulfillment in the glory of God. The perception that God exists and that He has a plan for our lives constitutes one of the ways through which people seek to escape absurdity. However, in three steps, Nagel (1971) demonstrates that such a perception remains insufficient in giving meaning to life. The first step entails demonstrating how …show more content…
Here, the scholar is aware that some larger purposes, such as service to God, may leave people finding fulfillment in being part of something bigger. Here, the perception that we are part of something may make us feel that the bigger thing is part of us too, which would arguably give meaning to our lives. In the third step, Nagel offers a rebuttal to the aforementioned counter position. He argues that the possibility of casting doubt on the larger purpose means that such a purpose is still insufficient in providing unadulterated fulfillment to escape absurdity. In the same fashion as we call to question meaning in our individual lives through looking further beyond our contentment, we can also call to question God’s purpose. This observation means that the perception of God’s plan in our lives may not be sufficient to buffer us from
Nagel (1971) begins with the view that humans may try to escape the absurd position and supply their lives with meaning through fulfillment in the glory of God. The perception that God exists and that He has a plan for our lives constitutes one of the ways through which people seek to escape absurdity. However, in three steps, Nagel (1971) demonstrates that such a perception remains insufficient in giving meaning to life. The first step entails demonstrating how …show more content…
Here, the scholar is aware that some larger purposes, such as service to God, may leave people finding fulfillment in being part of something bigger. Here, the perception that we are part of something may make us feel that the bigger thing is part of us too, which would arguably give meaning to our lives. In the third step, Nagel offers a rebuttal to the aforementioned counter position. He argues that the possibility of casting doubt on the larger purpose means that such a purpose is still insufficient in providing unadulterated fulfillment to escape absurdity. In the same fashion as we call to question meaning in our individual lives through looking further beyond our contentment, we can also call to question God’s purpose. This observation means that the perception of God’s plan in our lives may not be sufficient to buffer us from