this post was submitted on 21 Jul 2023
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so, i don't claim to understand much in the way of philosophy, but the uncaring nature of the universe is pretty scary to me. you're right in that the universe itself doesn't have volition but that's exactly the point. the universe is uncaring because it's incapable of it, and that's what's frightening. i also have a phobia of being caught in heavy machinery, which i would similarly describe as 'uncaring'. it'll rip your arms off or whatever because it doesn't care nor know that a human is trapped inside.
Right. I don't have much information on nihilism beyond "life is suffering", and I'm not sure it applies to these Pop-Nihilists. But I'm sure they world argue that no external entity is needed to deem the universe as cruel. If I were to make a guess, I'd say they would likely refer to the laws of nature in place of the universe, deeming "nature" (if you will) as cruel, or at least uncaring. Tough, this would be far from the initial "life is suffering" claim, I'm sure it would entail some form of effect nature has on the human psyche (e.g. causality/determinism and with that certain unappealing emotions like hopelessness or frustration). If anyone knows more or would tend to disagree, please let me know :)
All in all good meme, but not very coherent critique, in my opinion
yeah, the universe/nature/whatever you want to call it is absolutely cruel but that's due to its random nature. think about kids with leukemia, etc.
I'd say it's more tragic than cruel. In my mind, cruelty requires conscious decision, something the universe is incapable of. The universe isn't inflicting anything, it is simply happening.
I think that's more arguing over semantics tbh.