The Purpose of Life

Stewart Goetz examines one of the founding questions of philosophy: the purpose of life. This has remained a central question for philosophers from ancient times through to the Middle Ages and modern period.The central idea that shapes The Purpose of Life is Augustine's assertion that "It is the dec [...]
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Stewart Goetz examines one of the founding questions of philosophy: the purpose of life. This has remained a central question for philosophers from ancient times through to the Middle Ages and modern period.The central idea that shapes The Purpose of Life is Augustine's assertion that "It is the decided opinion of all who use their brains that all men desire to be happy." Few non-theists disagree with this assertion, but almost all argue that there is a distinction between a purpose of life and a purpose in life. According to them, because there are insuperable objections to the existence of a purpose of life, the only happiness that can be had is in this life. The problem for this view, however, is that the happiness that is available in this life is far from perfect. Because Augustine believed all who use their brains desire perfect happiness, he concluded that if that happiness is not available then life is ultimately meaningless . Goetz takes Augustine's assertion seriously and defends it against contemporary attacks.>