Introduction
This paper proves humans have a purpose through Rationalism, Metaphysics, Epistemology, and Philosophy of Religion. Descartes’ Epistemology posits that humans seek truth and utilize science to learn. Berkeley’s Immaterialism metaphysics advocated using one’s thinking to improve one’s life. Anselm’s Ontological Argument says humans exist to worship God. Finally, David Hume’s philosophy of Religion held that mankind should share their religious ideas and find comfort in their faith to find solace and devotion to God. This paper will explain these arguments and show how philosophical theories prove people have a purpose.
Rationalism (Descartes’ Epistemology)
Rene Descartes founded rationalist thought. Rationalism holds that reason may provide knowledge without sensory experience. In his famous aphorism “Cogito ergo sum” (I think, therefore I am), Descartes linked reasoning and truth-seeking. Descartes believed humans should use logic to find facts and apply the scientific method to data (Newman, 1997). Descartes believed this investigation was about gaining and applying knowledge to live well. Descartes’ epistemology held that humans seek truth and utilize science to learn.
Metaphysics (Berkeley’s Immaterialism)
Irish philosopher George Berkeley questioned how tangible knowledge is acquired. He posited Immaterialism, claiming only thoughts and ideas exist. Berkeley concluded through a metaphysical argument that the physical universe was merely thoughts in people’s brains (Kemerling, 2023). Berkeley believed humans should maximize their lives by using their minds since the only reality is ideas. Thus, one should focus on self-improvement and mental problem-solving. Berkeley’s metaphysics advocated using one’s thinking to improve one’s life.
Epistemology (Anselm’s Ontological Argument)
Anselm of Canterbury’s ontological argument for God’s existence follows. Anselm maintained that he must exist since a flawless God is logically possible (Himma, 2023). According to Anselm, humans exist to worship and serve God. Anselm believed that since God is perfect, humanity should worship and find satisfaction in Him. Anselm’s ontological argument suggested that humans thank God.
Philosophy of Religion (David Hume’s views on Religion)
Finally, the Scottish philosopher David Hume wrote extensively about Religion. “Religious faith…is the only rationalist of religion,” Hume said (Hume, 2023). Hume believed faith and Religion might help people discover peace and devotion to God. Hume thought that faith and religious sharing might comfort people. In summation, Hume believed that mankind should share their religious views and find consolation in their faith to cultivate devotion to God.
This study will review Rationalism, Metaphysics, Epistemology, and Philosophy of Religion to show humans have a purpose. Descartes believed humanity should seek truth and utilize science to learn. Berkeley’s metaphysics advocated using one’s thinking to improve one’s life. Anselm’s ontological argument suggested that humans thank God. Finally, David Hume believed humans share their religious ideas to find comfort and devotion to God.
Metaphysics (Berkeley’s Immaterialism)
Overview of Berkeley’s Metaphysics
Irish philosopher George Berkeley questioned how tangible knowledge is acquired. Metaphysical idealism holds that the physical universe is merely the mind’s perceptions (Kemerling, 2023). Because they are mental concepts, these ideas, and perceptions are immaterial. Berkeley felt that subjective experiences are sensory impressions and hence immaterial. Berkeley reasoned metaphysically that the actual universe was merely a concept in people’s brains.
Summary of Berkeley’s Thoughts on Human Purpose
Berkeley believed that as the only reality is what people think, they should use their thoughts to improve themselves and solve their issues. He believed humans should use their minds to make decisions and think about repercussions to improve their lives and the planet. Berkeley’s metaphysics proposes humans utilize their intellect to improve their lives and solve their difficulties.
The Claim of Human’s Purpose Based on Berkeley’s Ideas
Berkeley’s Immaterialism emphasizes human responsibility and accountability. Berkeley advises people to analyze their thoughts and experiences and use reasoning skills to consider their choices. Berkeley’s metaphysics encourages using one’s thinking to improve one’s life and taking responsibility for one’s actions. Thus, humans should enjoy life and use their minds to care for themselves.
Epistemology (Anselm’s Ontological Argument)
Anselm’s Ontological Argument
Anselm of Canterbury’s 11th-century ontological argument for God’s existence is famous. He contended that he must exist since a flawless God is logically feasible (Himma, 2023). “Existence” was used to prove perfection. Since perfection is a necessary quality of existence, Anselm argued that if there is an idea of something perfect, it must exist.
Anselm’s Human Purpose Argument Analysis
Anselm concluded that mankind glorifies God because He is perfect. Anselm believed that since God is perfect, humanity should worship and find satisfaction in Him. The ontological argument of God’s existence defines humans’ purpose as serving God’s will. Anselm’s reasoning helped establish the “problem of evil” without addressing how humans should glorify God.
Human Purpose Argument Anselm’s ideas
Anselm believed that humans should worship and praise God, not how. Anselm’s ontological argument says that humans exist to thank and serve God. Anselm’s mission inspires people to fulfill God’s will and follow His ideals. Anselm believed that since God is perfect, humanity should worship and find satisfaction in Him. By obeying God and living righteously, this is possible.
David Hume’s Religion Philosophy
Hume’s Religion Views
Philosophers still discuss David Hume’s religious writings. “If we believe that anything exists, or has existed, or will exist, not immediately known to our understanding, it is an act of faith or belief” (Hume, 2023), according to Hume. Hume believed faith and Religion might help people discover peace and devotion to God.
David Hume’s Human Purpose Views
Hume believed humanity might find comfort in faith and Religion. Hume believed that faith and Religion help people find consolation and grow spiritually. Hume also believed that sharing religious views and practicing Religion can bring comfort, joy, and meaning to life. In conclusion, Hume believed faith and Religion could bring consolation and significance to life.
Human Purpose Hume’s ideas
Hume believed faith and religious sharing might help humans fulfill their purpose. He believed that faith should soothe and be shared. Religion and God can bring comfort and calm. Thus, Hume believed humans have a purpose in finding solace and a strong connection to God through faith and sharing their religious beliefs.
In conclusion, Rationalism, Metaphysics, Epistemology, and Philosophy of Religion have explained human purpose. Descartes’ epistemology urged using science to improve. Berkeley’s Immaterialism promoted improving life through thought. Anselm’s Ontological Argument said humanity should appreciate and serve God. Finally, David Hume believed people should communicate their religious ideas to find comfort and devotion in God. This paper showed how philosophical theories suggest people have a purpose.
References
Himma, K. (2023). Anselm: Ontological Argument for God’s Existence | Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy. https://iep.utm.edu/anselm-ontological-argument/
Hume, D.: Religion | Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy. (2023). Hume, David: Religion | Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy. https://iep.utm.edu/hume-rel/
Kemerling. (2023). Berkeley’s Immaterialism. Www.philosophypages.com. http://www.philosophypages.com/hy/4r.htm#sensible
Newman, L. (1997, December 3). Descartes’ Epistemology (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy). Stanford.edu. https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/descartes-epistemology/
Himma, K. (2023). Anselm: Ontological Argument for God’s Existence | Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy. https://iep.utm.edu/anselm-ontological-argument/
Hume, D.: Religion | Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy. (2023). Hume, David: Religion | Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy. https://iep.utm.edu/hume-rel/
Kemerling. (2023). Berkeley’s Immaterialism. Www.philosophypages.com. http://www.philosophypages.com/hy/4r.htm#sensible
Newman, L. (1997, December 3). Descartes’ Epistemology (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy). Stanford.edu. https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/descartes-epistemology/
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