Stoicism On Fire Purpose in the Universe with Tim Mulgan – Episode 16
Jul 1, 2018
Philosopher Tim Mulgan explores a third way between materialist atheism and the benevolent to God of the Abrahamic faiths. He discusses the concept of purpose in the universe, the disconnect between arguments for and against God's existence, the practical differences of believing in a cosmic purpose, confronting nihilism in atheism, future plans and obligations, and explores connections between Hinduism, Taoism, and Stoicism.
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Definition Of Ananthropocentric Purposivism
- Tim Mulgan defines Ananthropocentric Purposivism (AP) as a cosmic purpose that is not centered on humans and may be impersonal.
- AP combines theism's objective value with atheism's view that humans are accidental to that purpose.
Stoic Resonance With AP
- Chris Fisher observes Stoicism sees the cosmos as providential but not necessarily human-centered, aligning with AP's impersonal purpose.
- He notes Stoics emphasize accepting the cosmos' purpose even when it conflicts with human desires.
Fine-Tuning Supports Purpose
- Mulgan borrows the fine-tuning argument to support cosmic purpose, noting constants favoring outcomes like life and light.
- On AP, human existence can be a byproduct of whatever the cosmos is fine-tuned to produce.