What Is the Meaning of Life?

79. Epicurus: Moderate Hedonism

  1. Does Epicurus deserve his reputation as a reckless, self-indulgent profligate? Why or why not?
  2. What is Epicurus’s argument for why we should not fear death? Evaluate the argument.

80. Epictetus: Stoicism: Enchiridion

  1. What does Epictetus mean by “it is not things that upset people but rather ideas about things”?
  2. What is the point of Epictetus’s distinction between what is up to us and what is not up to us?

81. Albert Camus: Life Is Absurd

  1. What is the point Camus is making by dwelling on the myth of Sisyphus?
  2. Why does Sisyphus conclude that all is well?

82. Julian Baggini: Living Life Forward

  1. What is Baggini’s argument against the teleological view of life? Do you agree with him? Why or why not?
  2. Does Baggini think that we need not find meaning in this life if there is life after death? Do you agree? Explain.

83. Louis P. Pojman: Religion Gives Meaning to Life

  1. Do those who do not believe in God have resources or advantages comparable with those that theism is supposed to provide? Explain.
  2. Is it possible to live happily as if theism is true even though you know that it may not be true? Explain.

84. Thomas Nagel: The Absurd

  1. Why does Nagel say that the absurdity of our existence is not a problem for which we must find a solution?
  2. Nagel argues that if God has a plan for our lives, following that plan in itself would not give meaning to our lives. What is Nagel’s reasoning behind this view? Do you agree with him?

85. Richard Taylor: The Meaning of Life

  1. According to Taylor, how can someone achieve meaning in life?
  2. What does Taylor mean by “the point of living is simply to be living”?

86. Susan Wolf: Meaning in Life

  1. Suppose someone’s life is filled with worthwhile projects—like saving lives, helping the poor, or creating art—but she considers the work boring and pointless. Would Wolf consider such a life meaningful? Would you agree with her assessment? Why or why not?
  2. Wolf denies the common sentiment that it doesn’t matter what people do in life as long as they enjoy it. Do you agree with her? Why or why not?
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