Immortality and the Afterlife
Mar 18, 2007Many religions contemplate some form of personal continued existence after death: reincarnation in another body, or continued being in some vastly different place like Heaven or Hell.
Pick your favorite age. You are healthy, career thriving, family intact (at least pretend!). Would you like to live forever at that age, in that health, with those friends and family members also living forever with you? Immortality, on earth? How about an extra fifty or one hundred years or two hundred beyond your present life expectancy?
Would an immortal human life be incredibly boring or is a good human life so good it's worth living to eternity?
Why do we want to avoid death? Life is a good thing, and more of a good thing is good, so we should want to live forever. Should life have a shape or is it enough to be pleasurable? John introduces John Fischer, professor at the University of California at Riverside. Fischer thinks that immortality would not result in unending boredom or pain. Does the finiteness of life make it more enjoyable? Fischer thinks that death is not the only thing that can give a shape to life. Would immortality entail lots of bad things happening to you?
Would a life devoid of suffering be good? Is the point of life to prepare us for death? Is your life less meaningful if you've lived a shorter time? Fischer points out that we use the phrase “meaning of life” in many different ways. Can we conceive of circumstances in which it would be desirable to be immortal? Is life intrinsically good? Fischer distinguishes between good for the individual and good for the community.
Is there anything that would be worth doing forever? Many people try to think of one particular activity, but Fischer thinks that certain mixtures of activities would be worth doing forever. Is the Groundhog Day model of immortality desirable?
Comments (2)
zoeyaddison
Wednesday, April 3, 2024 -- 10:04 PM
As a philosopher ponderingAs a philosopher pondering immortality, I contemplate the profound implications. While the allure of eternal life intrigues, questions arise: Would perpetual existence pregnancy information lead to stagnation or enlightenment? Embracing mortality fuels the human experience, prompting growth, purpose, and appreciation for life's fleeting beauty. Perhaps, therein lies the true essence of living.
SalvatoreJones
Tuesday, April 23, 2024 -- 11:40 PM
Some individuals might findSome individuals might find eternal life to be a blessing, while others might prefer the natural cycle of life and embrace its limitations. As you enter the world of slope game, prepare to be captivated by the stunning landscapes that unfold before your eyes.