Unraveling Life's Meaning, Identity, and Human Emotions
Classified in Religion
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Understanding Existence, Identity, and Affectivity
The Meaning of Existence: Three Perspectives
- No inherent meaning: Our lives and the world are absurd, implying that there is no inherent reason to act. Example: Existentialists of the 20th century.
- Meaning within this life: There is meaning, but only as it pertains to this life. Beyond death, meaning cannot be found. Example: Atheists and Agnostics.
- Transcendent meaning: There is a meaning that extends beyond death, leading to another life. This view is defended by the philosophy of various religions and transcendent beliefs. They represent a promise of salvation, justice, and happiness in an afterlife.
Religion and Personal Identity
Definition: Religions are a major source of personal identity. Religious beliefs, when freely and responsibly adopted, build us as individuals and guide us towards specific ways of acting. Religious identity must align with morals and respect for the inviolable dignity of the person. Both agree on the rule: "Do unto others what you would have them do unto you."
Religion and the Meaning of Life
Different religions propose a transcendent meaning of life for individuals. This implies that the lifestyle imposed on the believer has meaning only if carried out fully in an afterlife. This happy future life, promised after death, leads to the belief in salvation and happiness, free from all earthly injustice and suffering.
Emotions and Feelings
Affectivity
Definition: The human capacity to form bonds with others, which generates feelings and emotions, often leading to comfort and general well-being.
Feelings
Definition: Intimate experiences of acceptance and rejection, durable over time, which can be hidden or physically manifested. Examples: sadness and joy.
Emotions
Definition: Momentary expressions of feelings and spontaneity, of short duration, which manifest themselves through observable reactions of the organism. They usually escape our control. Example: blushing from shame.
Owning Our Feelings
Definition: Our intelligence is sentient, affective, or emotional; that is, what we think is always intertwined with feelings, affection, or emotions. This is how we modify our personality. This leads to freedom, making us more and more masters of ourselves.