For Atheists There Is No Meaning Of Life

Thanks Ben and I'm glad you're happy. "Generally I would agree with that, but in this case I simply deny any reason for individual existence, therefore my burden of proof lies with me having to rebut any possible reason." An interesting opinion, however I do feel that I should warn you that some voters on this site may take a dim view of debaters who only rebut without posting arguments. http://www.debate.org... As my opponent will see from this link it is a hotly contested issue on this site, some think the instigator always bears it, some say it is always Pro, some expect both sides to offer some arguments which is the opinion I tend to take. ----- My opponent's only rebuttal: "Survival and reproduction are not the reasons for the continuation of human life. Rather, the continuation of human life is the reason for survival and reproduction. But what is the reason for the continuation of human life?" This is a fairly nonsensical argument, a little bit like the chicken and egg conundrum in that one cannot exist without the other. Human life could not continue without survival and reproduction therefore they are indeed reasons for the continuation of human life. As conscious beings we seek out what brings us pleasure. We have evolved to find pleasure in things that aid our survival and reproduction, things like food, shelter and sex, the same way we have evolved to fear disease and castration. If you are ever lucky enough to reproduce and have children of your own, you will know that it brings great pleasure and a feeling that you have been part of something amazing and that your life now has meaning. This is true whether you are atheist, Jew, agnostic, Christian or Muslim. Pleasure can bring meaning to life. Reproduction certainly can. 'No it isn't' is not a good rebuttal. ----- My opponent's only contention: "Materialistic desires are meaningless, seeing as one dies anyway-and what has he gained from his riches, food etc.? Ecclesiastes http://www.biblegateway.com...... (a fantastic book, which is part of Writings, which in turn is part of the bible. I have brought the main theme.) And yet atheists have no otherworldly strives, so from their point of view everything is materialistic, so everything is meaningless, and so there is no meaning for life." My opponent argues that to an atheist "everything is materialistic". This is simply not true and my opponent provides no evidence to support this opinion. Pleasure is not material. The wonder of childbirth is not material. Appreciation of art transcends the material. I am very pleased to see my opponent bring Ecclesiastes into this debate, I agree that it is a fantastic book and I have quoted from it myself several times on this forum before. I love all of the "it is useless, it is like chasing the wind.." "Although traditionally ascribed to Solomon (who is identified as the author in the text), it was clearly written much later (c.300 BC)." http://qanda.encyclopedia.com... It is the woeful, despairing cry of a pious worshipper of God who receives little reward for his faith, ( a bit like some sections of Job) , these are some of my favourite bits: "God has laid a miserable fate upon us." 1: 13 " 9 What do we gain from all our work?10 I know the heavy burdens that God has laid on us." 3 "2 I envy those who are dead and gone; they are better off than those who are still alive.3 But better off than either are those who have never been born, who have never seen the injustice that goes on in this world." 4 "2 God will give us wealth, honor, and property, yes, everything we want, but then will not let us enjoy it. Some stranger will enjoy it instead. It is useless, and it just isn't right." 6 ".5 Yes, the living know they are going to die, but the dead know nothing. They have no further reward; they are completely forgotten.6 Their loves, their hates, their passions, all died with them. They will never again take part in anything that happens in this world. 7 Go ahead - eat your food and be happy; drink your wine and be cheerful. It's all right with God.8 Always look happy and cheerful.9 Enjoy life with the one you love, as long as you live the useless life that God has given you in this world. Enjoy every useless day of it, because that is all you will get for all your trouble.10 Work hard at whatever you do, because there will be no action, no thought, no knowledge, no wisdom in the world of the dead - and that is where you are going." All from: http://www.biblegateway.com... I would argue that this could be interpreted to suggest that even with God life has no meaning. It is interesting that the author does not encourage us to look forward to our rewards in heaven but rather to enjoy what we can during our short time on Earth which hardly supports my opponent's points. In fact he doesn't seem to believe in an afterlife at all, which I guess explains why as a religious person his life is meaningless. --- I feel that I have presented several meanings of life that do not rely on any religion or belief in an afterlife. Life has meaning without religion. For everyone, including atheists. I look forward to my opponent's final round, perhaps we will be able to go a little deeper into what life is truly about. Thankyou. Con.