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Can existentialism be considered a form of metaphysical nihilism?

Pierce Romaine

Existentialism and metaphysical nihilism are two philosophical concepts that have been subject to debate and discussion among scholars and thinkers for decades. However, the question of whether existentialism can be considered a form of metaphysical nihilism is a complex one that requires a thorough and nuanced analysis.

Existentialism is a philosophical tradition that emphasizes the individual's unique experience, freedom, and responsibility in the face of the absurdity of human existence. It is concerned with the search for meaning and purpose in life, and the struggle to make sense of the world despite its inherent senselessness and ambiguity. While existentialists acknowledge the absence of objective meaning in the universe, they argue that individuals have the power to construct their own subjective meaning through their choices and actions.

Metaphysical nihilism, on the other hand, is the belief that the universe lacks any inherent meaning, purpose, or value. It is the rejection of all metaphysical claims, including the existence of God, the soul, and the afterlife. Metaphysical nihilists argue that there is no ultimate reality beyond what we can perceive with our senses, and that all knowledge is ultimately subjective and contingent.

At first glance, one might assume that existentialism and metaphysical nihilism are compatible or even equivalent. After all, they both reject the idea of an objective, transcendent reality and emphasize the subjective experience of individuals. However, a closer examination reveals that they are fundamentally different in their approach to the problem of meaning.

Existentialism begins with the recognition of the absurdity and contingency of human existence, but it does not stop there. It argues that individuals have the power to create their own meaning and purpose through their choices and actions, even in the face of a meaningless and indifferent world. Thus, existentialism is a form of subjective idealism, or the belief that reality is ultimately shaped by the individual's consciousness.

Metaphysical nihilism, on the other hand, denies the possibility of any objective meaning or purpose in the universe. It argues that all human values, beliefs, and concepts are ultimately baseless and groundless, and that there is no inherent purpose or order in the cosmos. Thus, metaphysical nihilism is a form of radical skepticism, or the belief that knowledge and truth are fundamentally impossible.

In conclusion, while existentialism and metaphysical nihilism share some similarities, they are ultimately incompatible and distinct philosophical traditions. Existentialism emphasizes the individual's subjective experience and capacity for self-determination, while metaphysical nihilism denies the possibility of any objective reality or meaning. Therefore, it would not be accurate to consider existentialism a form of metaphysical nihilism, as they have fundamentally different approaches to the problem of meaning and reality.