INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY
Written Assignment #1
Meaning and Life: A Reflective Exercise
In the comic strip below
Calvin (boy) and Hobbes (cat) briefly touch upon the existential question of
the meaningfulness or meaninglessness (absurdity) of life. Write a 1-2
page essay that incorporates answers to the following questions.
1. Calvin employs the
expression meaningful lives. How would you define this
expression?
2. Do you agree/disagree with Calvin’s assertion that “we all want
meaningful lives” and “look for meaning in everything we do.” Briefly state
the basis of your agreement/disagreement.
3. Calvin presents two mutually exclusive positions on the relation between
meaning and life. Either everything is meaningful or
everything is meaningless (absurd). Do you accept one of these positions? If
so, explain why. If not, present an alternative position and indicate why
it’s preferable.
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