nihilism

'The ethical theory that there can be no true morality as there can not logically be any absolute scale within the fundamental laws of the universe with which to measure them'

Average person: it is morally good to save a child's life
Nihilist: it is neither good nor bad to save the child's life according to nihilism
Average person II: It is morally good to stick a baby in a blender according to nihilism
Nihilist: it is neither good nor bad to blend a baby
Diamondback-Omega: it is funny though =

by Diamondback-Omega February 5, 2010

nihilism

A philosophy based on extreme skepticism. In it's most basic form (Before it was clouded by ideas involving politics, social rhetoric, sex, drugs, rock and roll etc.), which we can refer to as "epistemological nihilism", simply denies the possibility of knowledge of truth. Previous epistemological philosophies failed in obtaining truth because all possible vessels for obtaining truth cannot be proven truthful themselves. Empiricism fails because one must assume that their senses depict an accurate portrayal of their secular existence (or that a secular world even exists, for that matter), which fuels their observations; sensations also depend on senses to provide the observer with the source of the sensation. Rationalism fails because without a secular experience, real or imaginary, one's lack of experience prevents them from being able to reason. ie, they cannot reason without the use of empirical devices. Therefore, rationalism cannot gain one knowledge without empirical methods, which are already based on assumptions (faith) of senses; assumptions cannot lead to the knowledge of truth. Intuitionalism fails because it also has the potential to utilize empirical (and rational) devices; It allows one to alter their truth based on new experiences. This leaves room for "error" and keeps "truth" from being absolute or even certain.

Empiricist: Can't you see the truth?
Person: No, I'm blind.

Rationalist: I think, therefore I am.
Person: You used speech to make that proclamation; One must use sight or hearing to interpret.

Nihilist: Nothing can be certain.
Person: You can't prove that.
Nihilist: You're catching on.

Nihilism is the only epistemological philosophy worth following.

by talkingmouth August 30, 2008

existential nihilism

The feeling that nothing matters.

Giving an example of existential nihilism is so pointless. We're all gonna die anyway...

by RoninRogue November 19, 2013

Mathematical Nihilism

The atheistic viewpoint that numbers and geometric shapes don’t exist but are man-made—they are mere human constructs or abstractions that are often used as imperfect tools to make sense of the physical universe, be it for modeling or predicting purposes.

No one has control over numbers outside of their minds; no one can draw a perfect circle or square; solving all those oft-impractical word problems at best shows a certain degree of algorithmic or algebraic proficiency. Are these limitations, imperfections, or formulations mere instances of mathematical nihilism?

by Fasters March 19, 2023

smoking nihilism

v. to slip into nihilistic ideas, feelings or attitudes for no other reason than because it is very easy and tempting to do so, much in the way that a smoker who is fighting addiction may find it all too easy to slip back into the habit. The buzz of liberation from values is powerful but short with strong negative after-effects such as the meaninglessness of your choices.

"It's a repeating problem. I have ideas and values, but it all seems either pointless in the long run or futile in the short term so I fall back into smoking nihilism."

"Sometimes I really try to keep the relationship going, but then I smoke nihilism. It's not that I don't care all the time, but there are times when all my emotional attachment dies and I absolutely do not care."

by Destroyer of Worlds April 7, 2006

nialism

A term frequently used by adolescents as a misspelling of the word nihilism, to the point of becomming a popular cliche. The term is often used to in the context of common misconceptions of the philosophy, which are usually an excuse to advocate self-destructive behaviours among their peers.

"NIALISM ROX" Sharpy penned unto a fourteen year olds arm.

by FredSneakers November 14, 2006

nihilism

The philosophy that life, the universe, and existence are essentially pointless. all nihilists are atheists, but not all atheists are nihilists.

George Carlin's later comedy indicates a streak of nihilism

by Hardy McTits August 20, 2008