The desire to know the answers to ultimate metaphysical questions like “Who am I?”, “What is reality?”, and “What is the mind?” has been haunting me throughout my life. To me, it surpasses other common aspects of a utility function. I cannot say much about the reason for that, as the curiosity seems natural and inherent to me, and precise attribution does not seem possible...From my understanding, current philosophy and science cannot adequately explain these questions. — LaymanThinker
In fact, I think even articulating some of these ultimate questions is extremely challenging for human language... — LaymanThinker
I’ve always felt that human natural language is too ambiguous for philosophical questions. Philosophical viewpoints either (1) cannot clearly convey their meanings or (2) rely on too many assumptions.
If one’s life goal is to understand these ultimate questions and their solutions, should they first focus on longevity in order to wait for humanity to develop the necessary technology, philosophy, or language? — LaymanThinker
The desire to know the answers to ultimate metaphysical questions like “Who am I?”, “What is reality?”, and “What is the mind?” has been haunting me throughout my life. — LaymanThinker
The desire to know the answers to ultimate metaphysical questions like “Who am I?”, “What is reality?”, and “What is the mind?” has been haunting me throughout my life. To me, it surpasses other common aspects of a utility function. I cannot say much about the reason for that, as the curiosity seems natural and inherent to me, and precise attribution does not seem possible. I do feel bored and even disgusted by the fact that many human behaviors, including mine, are often driven by flawed/trivial motives, such as selfishness, the sense of superiority, and so on, from a very early age.
From my understanding, current philosophy and science cannot adequately explain these questions. — LaymanThinker
If one’s life goal is to understand these ultimate questions and their solutions, should they first focus on longevity in order to wait for humanity to develop the necessary technology, philosophy, or language? — LaymanThinker
h.sapiens is simply another species, albeit a very clever one, but driven by the same basic instincts as everything else in the natural world, to survive and reproduce. The origin of life is a kind of biochemical fluke, maybe even a one-off, happening in a vast, indifferent universe which neither knows nor cares about humanity. Any conception of reason is a human invention and //apart from its instrumental value// a mere vanity. — Wayfarer
Therefore, it seems to me that it will likely take a very long time—possibly even beyond my lifetime—to find answers, if ever. — LaymanThinker
The notion that there are final answers to some central issues is in and of itself a central issue. — Arne
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