I Don't Waste Time Pondering Unanswerable Questions

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the nature of existential questions, such as the purpose of life and the value of pondering unanswerable questions. Participants explore whether seeking answers to these questions is worthwhile or if it detracts from living life fully. The conversation includes philosophical reflections and personal viewpoints on the significance of such inquiries.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses skepticism about the value of seeking answers to existential questions, suggesting that it may be a waste of time and advocating for living in the moment instead.
  • Another participant points out a perceived contradiction in the original post, implying that the act of questioning itself may indicate that such inquiries are worth considering.
  • A later reply agrees with the sentiment that some philosophical questions may be unnecessarily complicated by human biases, suggesting that questions like "what is the purpose of life?" do not provide valuable insights for living.
  • Some participants share personal beliefs that prioritize action over philosophical contemplation, indicating a preference for practical engagement with life rather than theoretical discussions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the value of contemplating existential questions. While some agree that such inquiries may not yield meaningful answers, others argue that the act of questioning itself is significant. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing perspectives.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge the complexity of philosophical questions and the influence of personal biases on their interpretations. There is a recognition that the discussion may involve contradictions and unresolved issues regarding the value of time spent on philosophical inquiry.

Pagey
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there's so many questions, why are we here, what's our purpose etc...

Why does there have to be an answer, can't we just accept what is, and live life in ignorance?

I'm sure many will argue that tryign to find the answer to the ultimate question is our purpose in life, but if there is no answer and there is no purpose, arn't we trying to solve an unsolvable problem, maybe it is our ignorance of thinking we can answer the question that provides the drive to keep doing so.

But to me finding answers isn't living, its wasting time, our most valuable comodity, and therefore i can only conclude 'get busy living, or get busy dieing'.

Im young and perhaps my views will most certainly change with age, but i struggle to see the point in thinking about the ultimate question of purpose, meaning and exsistence.

What do you think?
 
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I think you just contradicted yourself.
 
And why would that be?
 
yeh but if you read all i put, i have asked if the question is worth thinking about, that doesn't mean i don't think about it. As i have already said i struggle to see the point in doing so, but that doesn't mean it doesn't cross my mind. Stop trying to be a smart arse and actually contribute to the question.
 
Look, I honestly do believe that the contradiction implies the answer: yes, it is worth thinking about such things. Or, perhaps just that there is no way around them.
 
Pagey said:
there's so many questions, why are we here, what's our purpose etc...

Why does there have to be an answer, can't we just accept what is, and live life in ignorance?

I'm sure many will argue that tryign to find the answer to the ultimate question is our purpose in life, but if there is no answer and there is no purpose, arn't we trying to solve an unsolvable problem, maybe it is our ignorance of thinking we can answer the question that provides the drive to keep doing so.

But to me finding answers isn't living, its wasting time, our most valuable comodity, and therefore i can only conclude 'get busy living, or get busy dieing'.

Im young and perhaps my views will most certainly change with age, but i struggle to see the point in thinking about the ultimate question of purpose, meaning and exsistence.

What do you think?

I also share similar views:
Work until you die
meaning of life: world of warcraft (or similar game, that has infinite levels)

philosophy: waste of time (must stay away from it! - should learn ASP.Net instead, or do something that can really help others)

Maybe I am 19, so I believe in actions.
 
Pagey said:
there's so many questions, why are we here, what's our purpose etc...

Why does there have to be an answer, can't we just accept what is, and live life in ignorance?

I'm sure many will argue that tryign to find the answer to the ultimate question is our purpose in life, but if there is no answer and there is no purpose, arn't we trying to solve an unsolvable problem, maybe it is our ignorance of thinking we can answer the question that provides the drive to keep doing so.

But to me finding answers isn't living, its wasting time, our most valuable comodity, and therefore i can only conclude 'get busy living, or get busy dieing'.

Im young and perhaps my views will most certainly change with age, but i struggle to see the point in thinking about the ultimate question of purpose, meaning and exsistence.

What do you think?

Without getting into the whole contradiction of you actually wasting some of a valuable commodity such as, time, to address an issue you don't feel is worth addressing, I will say I agree to a certain extent.

A lot of philosophical questions that some people find complicated only become complicated because they added their human bias to it. A perfect example would be "what is the purpose of life?" That seems like a meaningless question. I say it's 'meaningless' because it really doesn't add any valuable insight on how to live your life. People will give you different answers, sometimes contradicting other answers, and even history will show you that there's no absolute formula for living that would equal 'purpose.'

So yes, I agree that some philosophical issues have unnecessary layers to them. I still don't understand why some people have to constantly add unfounded layers to an issue, but that's just the way it is.
 

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