Swenson's Argumentative Analysis

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Swenson takes a decidedly theistic stance on the meaning life in which the beginning of his argument is based on the idea of happiness. Swenson argues that life’s true purpose is based on achieving happiness through serving the moral consciousness. It is the moral consciousness through an action and devotion in which reveals the existence of God thus giving meaning and dignity to life. Furthermore, Swenson begin an idea that humans are provided by nature with the desire for happiness (Swenson 2008, p. 18). To further the idea that happiness must be sought, he states the thought that life is not life unless it is considered happy with the comparison, happiness is not happiness unless it can be justified (Swenson 2008, p. 19). This shows that …show more content…
Swenson explains that if a person relies on external goods, than one belongs to the world, rather than owning it (Kanon, 2016). Happiness is also found through the material world is considered short, changing, and unpredictable (Kanon, 2016). Therefore, the uncertainty of this creation will eventually lead to unhappiness. Furthermore, Swenson states that material things are considered valuable because we say they are, however, something that is found to be good is considered a false happiness, thus it must be replaced by something else (Kanon, 2016). Moreover, he states that it seems to be an act of treason to humanity if material goods are found to be the source of happiness (Swenson 2008, p. 22). Swenson finds that the material things are not accessible for all people; therefore he believes that one must find happiness and the meaning in something not of the external human world (Kanon, 2016). Swenson continues the idea that the meaning is to seen through moral consciousness alone and that it is the moral consciousness that one can begin to sense the presence of God (Swenson 2008, p. 23). This shows that Swenson believes in a God-centered to meaning of life(Kanon, 2016). Swenson later concludes that our freedom as humans is to decide whether or not to fulfill the voice is a source of happiness and humanity (Kanon,

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