42 Philosophical Questions To Grapple With
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

42 Philosophical Questions To Grapple With

Because life is bigger than what is presented to us at face value...

316
42 Philosophical Questions To Grapple With
St. Lawrence University

Ever since I began sharing my writings publicly, I have been thinking how to make an article that encompassed all the “big questions” I have, those profound and philosophical questions about life that I am constantly left to ponder.

These questions, though, become so muddled in the brain that they are hard to think about and talk about, let alone write about. I am fascinated with philosophy and am always pushing myself to make some sort of great, deep, and far-reaching realization of truth. Through my frustrations, I have found that this is not the answer, and the only faithful answer we have to getting closer to the truth, is to continuously ask questions.

To those with a forever questioning and ravenous mind, merely questioning aspects of our life and universe that extend beyond us as people is essential to achieving that greater cognitive awareness, and developing your most fulfilled and morally aligned sense of self. Here are some of the big questions that keep me wondering about something greater; questions I implore you all to consider, if you haven’t already, because life is bigger than what is presented to us at face value:

  1. Is there intelligent life beyond earth?
  2. Is the universe vast and ever-expansive, or finite?
  3. Why are we, specifically, inhabiting this earth?
  4. Is there a greater meaning to life?
  5. Can everything be explained by science?
  6. Do we have free will, or do we live in a sort of "simulation"?
  7. How skewed are our worldly perceptions?
  8. Does this world exist outside of our consciousness?
  9. Is there one correct/wholly pure moral code?
  10. Is there a calculated, most optimal solution to every problem?
  11. Is there a limit to human knowledge?
  12. Why is there something rather than nothing?
  13. If energy is not created or destroyed, what happens to the "energy" of a person after death?
  14. Are we blocked from mental freedom because of how society immediately molds our perceptions?
  15. Are we missing major aspects of the world around us due to an inability to detect it?
  16. Are we able to preserve our identities through unconscious influencers?
  17. Is there an unseen and overarching influence in our universe? If so, is it a foreign entity or do we as humans contribute to its existence?
  18. Was our universe created to achieve a greater goal?
  19. Is time a social construct or something that exists without humans?
  20. Does anything continue to exist without the ability to perceive it?
  21. Are human beings merely clusters of cells functioning like machines?
  22. Is there a greater influence, besides environmental, for evolution/extinction?
  23. Are our time/resources finite?
  24. Is there a multiverse, where quasi-infinite universes exist within various fields of time?
  25. Can one transcend the physical reality in which we live and reach separate dimensions? If so, would this transcendence only be mental, or physical as well?
  26. Why do some reach self actualization and others don’t?
  27. Is our future predetermined?
  28. Is there a limit to technological innovation? Will we reach an era of post-industrialism?
  29. Is it possible to act without selfish motive?
  30. How does something come from nothing?
  31. Will humans ever be able to comprehend the incomprehensible, like the concepts of nothing and forever?
  32. Is it possible to experience/interpret objectively?
  33. Does forever exist, or is there a definitive end?
  34. Do our primal instincts govern our human nature?
  35. Is perception the one defining factor between what is and what isn’t? Are facts merely temporary reality as we progress towards the truth?
  36. Why do more possibilities exist in theory that can actually be achieved?
  37. Does dark matter exist, and if so, what implications does it have?
  38. What is true of ethics: a universal code of morals or cultural relativism?
  39. Could artificial intelligence ever become self-aware?
  40. Is quantum mechanics a limitless concept?
  41. Is spatio-temporal coordinates the only thing that differentiates one another from birth? Does this imply that it is possible that me or you would have never come into being?
  42. Is there a true dichotomy of religion vs. science, or is it a combination of both?
Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

70877
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

132467
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments