Posted by:
Gay Philosopher
(
)
Date: January 23, 2013 04:35PM
Hi,
Not necessarily.
You need to separate religion and religious ideas from philosophy and philosophical ideas. The former is dogmatic. The latter is open to investigation, whether speculative (theoretical) or empirical (measurable).
Religions appeal to people's emotional needs as social animals. Philosophy asks the big questions (among all others).
The question of whether or not we survive death is asked by just about everyone. Religious dogmas tell adherents that the religion has an answer (and usually, with the exception of some forms of Zen, for instance, the answer is yes). Philosophy tells us that we have no way of definitively knowing.
Philosophers can be dogmatic, just like scientists. Emotional desires bias thinking and interpretation, especially under ambiguous circumstances.
As best as I can say, as one philosopher among many who is interested in this question, the answer is this: It is unknown and unknowable. Earlier in my life, I've leaned in the affirmative, based on reports of near-death experiences. Having spent years studying them, I don't believe that we have any way of knowing if they imply that we survive death, or they're some sort of hallucination. So, it comes down to a personal faith.
The NDE'rs may turn out to be right that we survive death, but for the wrong reasons. Or they may be simply wrong. The topic is so complicated and ambiguous that, although it's frustrating that we don't have answers and I can't see how we can ever have answers, I believe that we should treat this life AS IF it were the only one that we'll ever have, but hope for the best--i.e. that we'll survive into a paradise-like heaven after bodily death.
Focus on this life, and wherever you find meaning. Remember that your time here, like everyone else's, is limited. Don't be afraid (if possible). Be *present*. Show up for life, and live it as best you can. You are the co-creator and co-interpreter of your own meaning--in social interaction with those around you.
We're all in this together.
Good Luck,
Steve