William Ramsey Investigates Finding Meaning: Essays of Philosophy, Nihilism, and the Death of God, the New Book by Steven Delay.
Dec 22, 2023
Author Steven Delay discusses his new book about philosophy, nihilism, and the death of God. They explore the origins and influence of nihilism, Nietzsche's critique of Christianity, and the implications of the death of God for morality and society. They also discuss the meaning of life, self-improvement, and the pursuit of happiness from contrasting perspectives. The chapter explores how philosophical ideas have shaped concepts of happiness and meaning, leading to cultural nihilism and mental health issues. Contact information for the guest speaker and details about his new book are provided at the end of the podcast.
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Origin of "Finding Meaning" Essays
- "Finding Meaning" was born from a desire to address nihilism and life's purpose in an accessible way.
- Contributors were invited to return to philosophical basics often lost in academia.
Philosophical Roots of Nihilism
- Nihilism originally meant denying common self-evident truths, like the existence of the self and morality.
- Enlightenment philosophy unintentionally paved the way for this crisis of meaning.
Nietzsche’s Death of God Concept
- Nietzsche's "death of God" signals the loss of belief in God shaping culture and morality.
- He saw this as an opportunity for humanity to transcend old morals and redefine values.