The naturalism theory/school of thought suggests another school of thought: Existentialism.
Existentialism and nihilism are closely related and share the same underlying assumption about the inherent lack of pre-exsting meaning in life.
But since I’m not well versed in their differences I turned to gptchat for the following article.
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Existentialism and nihilism are philosophical views that address the nature of human existence, with their primary relationship being a shared starting point but dramatically divergent conclusions.
Similarities
The fundamental point of agreement between existentialism and nihilism (specifically, existential nihilism) is:
Absence of Intrinsic Meaning: Both philosophies agree that the universe and human life have no objective, inherent, or pre-given meaning, value, or purpose. There is no divine plan, no universal essence, and no external source dictating what life is supposed to be.
Differences Between Existentialism and Nihilism
The differences are more pronounced and highlight distinct philosophical frameworks:
1. View on Meaning
Existentialism asserts that while life may be inherently meaningless, individuals have the power to create their own meaning and purpose through choices and actions.
Nihilism aArgues that life is fundamentally meaningless, and thus, no meaning can be created or discovered. Nihilism often leads to despair or apathy regarding existence.
2. Approach to Human Existence
Existentialism emphasizes engagement with life, advocating for authenticity and self-defined existence. It often calls for embracing one’s freedom and the responsibilities that come with it.
Nihilism may lead to a more dispassionate or indifferent view of life, potentially fostering feelings of hopelessness or lethargy regarding existence.
3. Philosophical Implications
Existentialism encourages individuals to confront their fears, embrace their freedom, and find personal significance in life through relationships, passions, and creativity.
Nihilism can result in a cynical worldview, often rejecting moral values, cultural norms, and societal expectations in favor of a belief in the futility of existence.
In summary, while existentialism and nihilism share a common questioning of inherent meaning and focus on individual experience, they diverge sharply in their views on the possibility of finding or creating meaning in life. Existentialism promotes a proactive search for meaning, while nihilism accepts a passive acknowledgment of life’s inherent meaninglessness.
(The above article was created by gpt chat on November 1, 2025.)
From an article titled: The Human Quest for Meaning: Insights from Existential Thought
One of the cornerstones of existential philosophy is the notion of existential freedom—the idea that human beings are free to define themselves and create their own meaning in life. This freedom is both a gift and a burden. On one hand, it provides individuals with the autonomy to make choices that reflect their true selves. On the other hand, it can lead to feelings of anxiety, as individuals realize that they are solely responsible for their choices and the meaning they create.
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Jean-Paul Sartre, one of the most prominent existentialists, famously declared that “existence precedes essence.” This means that humans are not born with a predetermined purpose or essence; instead, they must create their essence through their actions and choices. For Sartre, the responsibility to create meaning is both liberating and terrifying. There is no divine blueprint or external authority that can tell us what our lives should mean, so we are left to make our own meaning in a world that can sometimes seem indifferent or even hostile.
- Also read my other article here: What is the meaning of life? 40 ideas…