Abstract
The central question of human life is whether life has a meaning or purpose. On the Darwinian view, there can be no such meaning, as we are merely products of evolution. Nonetheless, the naturalists have tried to create a new science of human meaning based on evolutionary principles. We demonstrate the incoherence of this project and the implausibility of denying the role of meaning in human life, or trying to reduce it to mere happiness.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Copyright information
© 2016 The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s)
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Kaufman, W.R.P. (2016). Darwinism and the Meaning of Life. In: Human Nature and the Limits of Darwinism. Palgrave Macmillan, New York. https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-59288-0_9
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-59288-0_9
Published:
Publisher Name: Palgrave Macmillan, New York
Print ISBN: 978-1-137-59287-3
Online ISBN: 978-1-137-59288-0
eBook Packages: Religion and PhilosophyPhilosophy and Religion (R0)