The belief that nothing matters is fundamentally described as Nihilism.
Understanding Nihilism
Nihilism is a philosophical stance asserting that all values are baseless, and that existence, knowledge, and communication are inherently meaningless or impossible to ascertain. It challenges the very foundations of human values, morality, and purpose. This perspective is often intertwined with extreme pessimism and a radical skepticism that questions the validity and worth of existence itself.
Individuals embracing a truly nihilistic viewpoint would typically hold no beliefs, maintain no loyalties, and might perceive no inherent purpose in life, perhaps with an impulse to destroy stemming from their conviction that all constructs are ultimately valueless.
Key Aspects of Nihilism
While philosophical nihilism delves into complex theoretical frameworks, the feeling that "nothing matters" often aligns with its core tenets. Key characteristics include:
- Rejection of Objective Meaning: The conviction that life, the universe, and everything within them lack intrinsic meaning, purpose, or value.
- Skepticism Towards Truth: A profound doubt that anything can be definitively known or truthfully communicated, extending to moral, ethical, and epistemological claims.
- Dismissal of Values: The contention that moral principles, religious doctrines, and social values are human constructs without any objective foundation.
- Absence of Loyalty or Purpose: For a true nihilist, there are no inherent reasons to be loyal to any cause, group, or individual, and no ultimate purpose to strive for. This can lead to a sense of apathy or despair regarding life's outcomes.
To learn more about this philosophical concept, you can explore resources on philosophical nihilism or delve into existential philosophy.
