The Revival of Morality: Navigating Nihilism and Value Judgments
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Chapter 1: The Modern Perception of Morality
In contemporary society, morality often feels outdated, akin to a form of prudishness. The impression that being conscientious is synonymous with being overly strict arises from the influence of capitalism, which has overshadowed philosophical thought—much like democracy has been eclipsed by market ideologies. The discourse surrounding how we ought to lead our lives has largely been co-opted by industries focused on self-improvement and happiness. Consequently, morality has transformed into a commodity, driven by a neoliberal consumerist model.
Today's liberal morality is less about defining good versus evil or right versus wrong, and more about providing a buffet of choices that can leave individuals feeling paralyzed. Instead of grappling with fundamental ethical dilemmas, many resort to utilizing science and consumer myths to "optimize" their lives, reducing themselves to mere products in the marketplace.
The first video, "Nietzsche, Death of Christianity, Nihilism as our Fate," delves into the philosophical implications of nihilism and how it affects our perception of morality. It challenges viewers to reconsider the foundations of their ethical beliefs in a world increasingly influenced by nihilistic perspectives.
Section 1.1: Internal vs. External Perspectives
To explore deeper philosophical questions about ethics, we must move beyond the prevalent consumerist mindset. In his work, The View from Nowhere, Thomas Nagel emphasizes a critical distinction between internal and external perspectives: the subjective significance of experiences versus their objective relevance in the wider universe.
Initially, morality appears to be rooted entirely in our internal perspectives. I recall a moment from my childhood when a peer showcased an impressive Swiss Army knife during class. As I watched her and her friends marvel at its various functions, I felt an overwhelming sense of jealousy. I longed for that knife but grappled with the moral implications of stealing it. My thoughts were consumed by this internal struggle, wrestling with whether a desire could ever justify an unethical action.
Yet, one could also adopt an external perspective, one that views the situation devoid of personal bias. In this detached viewpoint, morality seems irrelevant; it merely presents a set of facts. A sociopath, lacking emotional depth, might focus solely on the mechanics of the theft rather than on moral implications.
The external perspective aligns closely with a scientific approach, wherein all phenomena are assessed through objective lenses. While scientists may personally care about ethical matters, their methodologies do not inherently dictate moral values. They investigate facts, relationships, and probabilities without establishing moral truths.
Photo by Simon Berger on Unsplash
Section 1.2: Objective Aesthetics and Value
However, the external perspective can accommodate value through an aesthetic lens. To appreciate art, one must transcend personal biases. For example, standing in front of a painting of a dog while thinking about one’s preference for cats illustrates the failure to engage with the artwork on an aesthetic level. The merit of the painting exists independently of individual tastes, determined instead by its composition, creativity, and execution.
Aesthetic values become significant because, even if scientific inquiry deflates traditional moral frameworks, it can help reconstruct a sense of right and wrong based on objective criteria. Thus, science may dismantle certain moral beliefs, but it can also facilitate the development of new ethical understandings.
Chapter 2: The Impact of Aesthetic Judgments
The second video, "Is God Necessary for Morality? | William Lane Craig & Shelly Kagan at Columbia University," examines the role of divine presence in shaping moral values, prompting a reevaluation of how we derive ethical principles in a secular age.
Section 2.1: The Subjective Nature of Art Appreciation
Artistic merit can exist independently of popular recognition. For instance, Phil Tippett's Mad God, a dark stop-motion film, showcases profound aesthetic qualities that may not align with mainstream tastes. Similarly, the late Kim Jung Gi's extraordinary talent as an illustrator may not have garnered the widespread acknowledgment it deserved, whereas the passing of public figures like Queen Elizabeth II commands immense media attention despite her ceremonial role.
Ultimately, the essence of aesthetic value persists within the fabric of reality, regardless of individual recognition. The philosopher Baruch Spinoza proposed that there exists a divine perspective from which the entirety of nature can be understood and appreciated, suggesting that while our individual perspectives may be limited, the objective qualities of art and morality endure.
In conclusion, navigating the realms of nihilism and ethics calls for a balance between personal desires and objective assessments, allowing for a richer understanding of both morality and aesthetics in our lives.