What is the Purpose of Existence? Implied Questions – What does one know is true? – What does it mean to exist? – Do humans have free will? – Does God exist? 1Purpose of Existence

What Does One Know is True? No Eternal Truth Four Ways to Determine Validity – Necessary Truth – Contingent Truth – A Priori Truth – A Posteriori Truth 2Purpose of Existence

What Does it Mean to Exist? Matter and Form Physical and Mental (Nonphysical) Materialism (Only Physical Exists) Contemporary Science – Atoms, molecules, and cells – Prove nonphysical exists 3Purpose of Existence

Do Humans Have Free Will? Atomists – Atoms underlie reality – Atoms governed by physical law – Atoms compose human body Misconception – Absolute free will – Physical laws completely control atoms 4Purpose of Existence

Does God Exist? A Priori Truth – Nonexistence always precedes existence Big Bang Theory (Universe Created) A Priori Truth – Created requires creator Religions’ Biased Male Influence Re-Conceptualizing God’s Will 5Purpose of Existence

Examining Human History Unique Reasoning Ability Superior Species Oppression of Inferior Develop Technology Offset Past Oppression 6Purpose of Existence

Unique Reasoning Ability Darwin’s Support Primitive Reasoning Ability Lust to Know More Lust Became Greed Greed Grew Selfishness 7Purpose of Existence

Superior Species Creating Weapons, Fire, and Clothing Increased Survival in Groups Increased Fearlessness Developed Arrogance Superiority Spread Within Species – Ignorantly cause human suffering 8Purpose of Existence

Oppression of Inferior Use of Religion Women Slaves Indigenous People Colonization – Bad karma from injustice 9Purpose of Existence

Develop Technology Increase Communication Increase Knowledge Increase Productivity Defy Law of Nature – Not only the strong survive – Disease, famine, and poverty 10Purpose of Existence

Offset Oppression Reasoning Ability Evolved Developed Morals and Values – Good/bad and wrong/right Feminist Movement African American President – Symbol of justice and equality 11Purpose of Existence

Philosophy of Human Destiny Be Endowed with Primitive Reasoning Shape Human Superiority Oppress the Other (Bad Karma) Ignorantly Sire Human Suffering Remedy Suffering with Technology 12Purpose of Existence

Human Destiny (Cont’d.) Defy Law of Nature Fulfill Reasoning Capabilities Adapt Morals and Values Offset Oppression of Other (Good Karma) Unravel Virtuous Existence 13Purpose of Existence

Reference Moore, B. N. & Bruder, K. (2008). Philosophy: The power of ideas (7th ed.). Boston: McGraw-Hill. 14Purpose of Existence