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#Repair humanity - Absurdity of human philosophy

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Absurdity of human philosophy

Absurdism is a philosophical perspective that asserts the universe is irrational and meaningless. According to this theory, our attempts to find meaning or rational explanations in the universe ultimately fail because no such inherent meaning exists—at least not for human beings1.
The concept of absurdity arises from the confrontation between two opposing ideals:
  • Human condition: Our struggle to find meaning, clarity, and purpose.
  • Universe: A silent, cold, and seemingly purposeless existence.
In other words, absurdity reflects the contradiction, lack of meaning, or irrationality that manifests itself in various aspects of life2. It’s as if we’re caught in a perpetual tug-of-war between our desire for purpose and the indifferent vastness of the cosmos.
One of the most famous expressions of absurdity comes from Albert Camus’s essay “The Myth of Sisyphus.” In it, he presents the myth of Sisyphus—a figure condemned by the gods to roll a boulder up a hill, only to watch it roll back down for eternity. Camus suggests that Sisyphus’s relentless task mirrors the absurdity of human existence: We persistently strive for meaning despite the futility of our efforts.

Key points about absurdism:
  1. Existential Conflict: Absurdism highlights the conflict between our search for meaning and the apparent meaninglessness of the universe.
  1. Global vs. Specific Absurdity: While absurdism claims that existence is absurd, some situations, persons, or phases in life may also be absurd.
  1. Practical and Theoretical Aspects: The absurd involves both practical struggles (finding meaning in a meaningless world) and theoretical challenges (reason’s inability to fully understand reality).
  1. Metacognitive Component: Some theorists argue that awareness of this conflict is necessary for absurdity to arise.
  1. Responses to Absurdity: Traditionally, three responses are discussed:
  • Suicide: Escaping the absurd by ending one’s life.
  • Religious Belief: Finding meaning through faith in a higher purpose.
  • Rebellion: Acknowledging the absurd and living authentically despite it.

Ultimately, absurdism invites us to grapple with the tension between our longing for significance and the universe’s apparent indifference. Whether we choose rebellion or seek solace elsewhere, the absurd remains an integral part of our human experience1.
In the oddest of all this vastness of the cosmos, we still must be humane, have empathy and compassion for each other.

Let’s rekindle our humanity by acknowledging the absurd and living authentically despite it.

Ahoi human beings!




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