Question: What are the pros and cons of nihilism?

What are the upsides and downsides of nihilism, the view that life has no inherent meaning? This entry maps the positions — that nihilism carries real advantages, and that it carries serious disadvantages.

Position 1 of 2

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There are many advantages to nihilism

This position holds that accepting that life has no inherent meaning brings real benefits: freedom from inherited obligations, relief from the fear of failing an assigned purpose, and room to choose one's own ends without needing external permission.

If no purpose was handed down, there is no purpose to fail
Meaning that is chosen rather than inherited is the only kind a person can own

Position 2 of 2

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There are many disadvantages to nihilism

This position holds that nihilism carries serious costs, since if nothing matters inherently then motivation, moral restraint and the grounds for caring about other people all lose their footing, leaving apathy or despair in their place.

If nothing matters, there is no reason left to do anything at all
Without inherent value, moral objection comes down to preference