Friday, 7 October 2016

There are 2 possibilities

There's 2 possibilities:


a) This is the only life there is. When we die we simply cease to exist. Our lives and the Universe are, in a sense, ultimately absurd. In that case nothing we do ultimately matters. How much money we accumulate and our social status are transitory and ultimately unfulfilling, and in the end are to no avail since we all end up in the same boat -- namely eternal non-existence. I suggest instead we just live our lives, have a laugh, have a few drinks, be kind to others, but most importantly of all not to take life too seriously.

b) Or there is a "life after death", and perhaps an ultimate purpose to our existence and to all things. But if we continue to exist after death, why do we think what we achieve in this life is so terribly important? If there is some ultimate purpose to life, we don't know what it is, but presumably it will have nothing to do with how much money we accumulate and our social status. I suggest instead we just live our lives, have a laugh, have a few drinks, be kind to others, but most importantly of all not to take life too seriously.

2 comments:

  1. Hello Ian! This is totally random (hopefully you'll receive this post) but I'm a fan (I agree with much of what you say regarding metaphysics & I discovered you via Bernardo Kastrup). I have a few quick questions I'd like to ask you (regarding metaphysics essentially) if you have the time to answer. Anyway could I email you perhaps? My name is James btw, sorry if this weird. I've never posted on a blogspot site before.

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    1. No sweat. Ok so basically regarding metaphysics/philosophy of mind, did you ever consider pursuing a degree in philosophy or cognitive science? I'm sure you already have a career but (assuming this is something you've been interested in for quite a while) I was just wondering if you've ever thought about this as a career (if it's even viable).

      I myself already have an BS degree & a career going. However I've been considering if getting a graduate degree in philosophy/cognitive science would be wise (either for fun or as a potential future career). I'm very interested in "immaterialist" metaphysics & would like to become more knowledgeable about it (as well as debate the rabid physicalists). I'm just wondering what your thoughts are on this since you're clearly very knowledgeable about this subject. I'm not sure how much credentials actually play in the study of consciousness. I know Bernardo Kastrup doesn't hold a philosophy/cog science degree (he does the philosophy stuff for fun & holds a technology profession) & I don't plan on changing careers anytime soon, I'd just like to know if from your understanding, if this is a big deal in regards to consciousness studies.

      My 2nd question is, what's your opinion on Out of body experiences & psychedelics? Have you ever tried to induce an OBE or take a psychedelic? From my research, I believe OBEs & psychedelics are really strong methods for have mystical experiences & confirming to oneself that you're not your physical body. I view psychedelics as training wheels though, I've never had an OBE but it seems they are a little more reassuring than psychedelics since one could say the mystical experience on a psychedelic is just an "hallucination", whereas with an OBE, you induce it yourself without any external aids.

      I'd just like to get your opinion on the above topics. Thanks for your time.

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