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nihilism
IPA:
Dictionary definition of nihilism
A philosophical belief that life is without objective meaning, purpose, or intrinsic value.
"The play deals with the concept of moral nihilism, where all moral principles are rejected."
Detailed meaning of nihilism
It suggests that moral and religious beliefs are unfounded and that life is ultimately meaningless. Nihilists argue that traditional morality and religious beliefs are unfounded and that life is ultimately meaningless. Nihilism can take on various forms, but it generally implies a rejection of traditional values and beliefs. Some forms of nihilism suggest that life is without any inherent meaning, while others suggest that traditional moral values are unfounded and should be discarded. In both cases, it leads to a rejection of religious, moral and political principles, and often promotes the idea that life is without any inherent purpose or meaning. It is often associated with Friedrich Nietzsche and existentialism.
Example sentences containing nihilism
1. The novel’s theme of nihilism depicts a society where people have lost all sense of purpose.
2. He was a nihilist, believing that all values were baseless and that life was ultimately meaningless.
3. The philosopher's ideas on existential nihilism had a profound impact on the literary community.
4. The protagonist's struggle with nihilism is a central theme in the movie.
5. He described himself as a nihilist, rejecting all religious and moral beliefs.
6. The rise of nihilism in the 19th century was a reaction to the Enlightenment's emphasis on reason and progress.
History and etymology of nihilism
The noun 'nihilism' has an etymology deeply rooted in philosophical thought, particularly in 19th-century Europe. It is derived from the Latin word 'nihil,' meaning 'nothing' or 'not anything.' 'Nihilism' as a philosophical concept emerged as a rejection of conventional beliefs in meaning, purpose, and intrinsic value in life and the universe. This term gained prominence in the works of German philosophers like Friedrich Nietzsche and was associated with a belief that life lacks objective significance. Nihilism suggests that traditional moral and religious values are baseless and that existence is ultimately without inherent purpose. Its etymology underscores the core premise of nihilism, which is the assertion that reality is devoid of intrinsic meaning, giving rise to a complex and thought-provoking philosophical perspective that has influenced various areas of intellectual discourse.
Further usage examples of nihilism
1. The artist's work often dealt with themes of nihilism, depicting the emptiness of modern life.
2. The nihilistic worldview of the characters in the story ultimately leads them to a state of despair.
3. The economic crisis led many people to adopt a nihilistic attitude towards their future prospects.
4. The nihilism in the novel is reflected in the characters' lack of motivation or drive.
5. Nihilism, a philosophical belief, posits that life lacks objective meaning, purpose, or intrinsic value, leading to existential questioning.
6. In the novel, the protagonist's gradual descent into nihilism serves as a central theme, symbolizing the disillusionment of the human condition.
7. Rejecting the idea of an afterlife or divine purpose, nihilism challenges conventional religious beliefs and confronts the idea of moral and ethical relativism.
8. The renowned philosopher's profound exploration of nihilism delved into the existential void and the implications it holds for human existence.
9. As the character grappled with the bleak concept of nihilism, viewers were compelled to reflect on the fundamental questions of meaning and purpose.
10. The ongoing debate within the academic community centered on the societal consequences of nihilism and its potential impact on individuals' values and beliefs.
11. Existential nihilism, a philosophical stance, asserts that life lacks inherent purpose, urging individuals to confront the void and create their own meaning in a seemingly indifferent universe.
12. Critics argue that nihilism, when embraced without moderation, can lead to apathy, despair, and a sense of futility in the face of life's challenges.
13. Throughout his literary career, the writer's works have consistently explored themes of nihilism, examining the human condition and the search for meaning in a chaotic world.
14. Nihilism's challenge to traditional moral and ethical frameworks can provoke thought-provoking discussions about the foundations of societal norms and values.
15. The poet's verses, characterized by their haunting and introspective tone, often delve into the abyss of nihilism, revealing the complexities of the human psyche.
16. Critics accused the avant-garde artist of intentionally embracing nihilism in their art, using their work to deconstruct established artistic conventions and provoke thought.
17. Some argue that nihilism, when embraced with philosophical rigor, can be both liberating and unsettling, encouraging individuals to question the assumptions that underpin their lives.
18. In the film, the protagonist's journey into nihilism serves as a profound exploration of existential despair and the search for meaning in an unpredictable world.
19. Nihilism, as a philosophical stance, challenges the very foundations of societal institutions, encouraging a critical examination of the values and principles that shape our world.
20. The philosopher's treatise, a seminal work in the field of existentialism, delves into the depths of nihilism, dissecting its various manifestations and implications for human existence.
21. Existential crises often lead individuals to grapple with nihilistic questions, questioning the purpose of their existence and seeking meaning in a seemingly indifferent universe.
22. In the playwright's work, themes of nihilism and existential angst are recurrent motifs, reflecting the complexities of human experience and the search for significance.
23. Students found the professor's lectures on nihilism to be thought-provoking, as they challenged conventional wisdom and encouraged critical thinking about life's ultimate meaning.
24. The philosophical discussion revolved around the profound consequences of nihilism on human behavior, ethics, and the very fabric of society itself.
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Suffix -ism, GRE 9 (Graduate Record Examination), Denial and Defiance, Doctrine and Utopian, Absence and Lack
atheism,cynicism,pessimism,skepticism
abnegation,rejection,renunciation,repudiation
Synonyms for nihilism
Quiz categories containing nihilism
negativism, existentialism, optimism, idealism
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