Stoicism On Fire Purpose in the Universe with Tim Mulgan – Episode 16
Jul 1, 2018
Philosopher Tim Mulgan explores a third way between materialist atheism and the benevolent to God of the Abrahamic faiths. He discusses the concept of purpose in the universe, the disconnect between arguments for and against God's existence, the practical differences of believing in a cosmic purpose, confronting nihilism in atheism, future plans and obligations, and explores connections between Hinduism, Taoism, and Stoicism.
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Stoic Resonance With AP
- Chris Fisher observes Stoicism sees the cosmos as providential but not necessarily human-centered, aligning with AP's impersonal purpose.
- He notes Stoics emphasize accepting the cosmos' purpose even when it conflicts with human desires.
Cosmic Purpose As Source Of Normativity
- Mulgan connects cosmic purpose to moral realism: purpose can explain objective normative facts.
- If the cosmos has built-in values, they offer reasons to act that are independent of self-interest.
Ethics And Metaphysics In Equilibrium
- Mulgan advocates reflective equilibrium between ethics and metaphysics rather than letting one fully determine the other.
- He allows ethics to inform metaphysics and vice versa to reach coherence.