Name: Awais Ahmed
SAP ID: 021000024843
Reg NO: 60021
Course: Philosophy & Critical Thinking
Submitted to: Syed Noman Ali
Write down the meaning of life by following the critical thinking model.
This is a question that has puzzled humanity for ages. People have sought to understand the purpose
and significance of their existence, and different perspectives and ideas have emerged over time. The
concept of the meaning of life is subjective and has been viewed from different philosophical
perspectives, including existentialism, religious beliefs, utilitarianism, and nihilism. This essay will
examine these viewpoints to explore the meaning of life.
From an existentialist perspective, life has no predetermined meaning, and individuals are free to create
their meaning through their actions and choices. According to Jean-Paul Sartre, we are condemned to
freedom, which means that we have complete responsibility for our lives. Therefore, the meaning of life
lies in the pursuit of personal goals and the fulfillment of one's authentic self. This view emphasizes that
individuals should live their lives according to their values, passions, and aspirations. It encourages
people to find their unique purpose and create meaning in their lives.
Religious beliefs provide another interpretation of the meaning of life. For example, in Christianity, the
meaning of life is often seen as fulfilling God's purpose and experiencing eternal salvation. This view
emphasizes the importance of living life according to God's commandments and surrendering to His will.
Buddhist philosophy also stresses the significance of achieving enlightenment and breaking free from
the cycle of suffering. The pursuit of such higher goals can give meaning and purpose to our lives, as we
strive to transcend the limitations of this human existence.
Utilitarianism focuses on maximizing overall happiness and minimizing suffering for the greatest number
of people. According to this perspective, the meaning of life lies in optimizing overall well-being. This
approach prioritizes the consequences of actions and advocates for decisions that will have the most
positive impact on society. When individuals work towards the greater good, they can find fulfillment in
the knowledge that they are making a difference.
In contrast, nihilism argues that life has no intrinsic meaning or value. From this view, attempts to find
purpose or meaning ultimately fail, and life is inherently absurd. According to this perspective,
individuals should embrace the absurdity of existence and create personal meaning in the absence of
any objective significance. By accepting the lack of inherent meaning, people can find liberation in living
life without the pressure of trying to find ultimate answers.
In conclusion, the meaning of life is subjective and complex, and different perspectives offer various
interpretations. The existentialist perspective emphasizes individual freedom and personal meaning,
while religious beliefs provide guidance on fulfilling God's purpose or achieving enlightenment.
Utilitarianism and nihilism offer different approaches to the question of meaning, with the former
suggesting that the meaning lies in optimizing overall happiness, and the latter embracing the inherent
absurdity of life. Ultimately, finding the meaning of life is up to individuals who must explore and
discover their unique purpose and meaning based on their beliefs, experiences, and values.
