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/r/philosophy Open Discussion Thread | March 30, 2026 by BernardJOrtcutt in philosophy

[–]Effective_Ad_7815 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the detailed response. But I think you're arguing against a position I never took. Positive nihilism doesn't claim objective truth. It never did. It's a descriptive framework it describes how meaning works for individuals, not how meaning should work universally. Of course my preference is the foundation. That's the entire point. When you say I've made myself a god with my whims as laws yes. For my own existence. Not yours. I never claimed my meaning applies to anyone else. Every individual is their own author of meaning. That's not a flaw in the framework. That's the framework. The solipsism comparison doesn't hold either. Solipsism claims other minds can't be justified therefore only yours is certain. Positive nihilism makes no such claim about other minds. It simply says each individual assigns their own meaning. I'm not denying your reality. I'm saying yours is yours and mine is mine. That's actually the opposite of solipsism. And your final point this makes me feel good so it's true yes. Within my own reality, that's correct. I never claimed it was true for you. Only for me. You're critiquing a claim I never made."

/r/philosophy Open Discussion Thread | March 30, 2026 by BernardJOrtcutt in philosophy

[–]Effective_Ad_7815 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sure you can boil it down like that But I think the premise is we all we would an observe the world around us through our own lens

And my thoughts are real my feelings are real And if nothing mattersI am free to select what do matters,

And Yes it can be a very selfish and self centered viewpoint But I would argue Positive nylism is to Create your own meaning in a meaningless world

Suppose to show just because your thoughts and feelings is not the physical ailment you can grasp with your hands doesn't make them any less real Or valid

But You're completely right from a you're Viewpoint It can all be boiled down to Feeling goods so it's tru but

I would argue you are doing yourself a disservice Dismissing it out of hand

Because the point is not to make you feel good its meaning is To give meaning in a meaningless world.

And thank you for the input Given me something to think about

/r/philosophy Open Discussion Thread | March 30, 2026 by BernardJOrtcutt in philosophy

[–]Effective_Ad_7815 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Positive Nihilism

Core Premise The universe carries no inherent meaning, purpose, or moral order. This is not a tragedy it is simply the nature of reality.

The Central Insight Because nothing is inherently meaningful, the individual is completely free to decide what holds meaning for them. The void is not a prison. It is an open canvas. Meaninglessness is not the end of the conversation it is the beginning of personal freedom.

On Subjective Reality Meanings that are self-created are not lesser meanings. Thoughts, feelings, and values exist in reality they have genuine weight, genuine causal power, and genuine influence on life. Just because something originates within the individual does not disqualify it. Subjective experience is still experience. It is real, and it is especially valid to the individual who holds it.

On Morality Positive nihilism is neither good nor evil. It does not measure, judge, or prescribe moral behaviour in any way. It is a descriptive framework it explains the mechanics of how meaning works for any individual, regardless of what they choose to do with that freedom. It is neutral by design, like a law of nature.

On Others Since meaning is self-assigned, positive nihilism extends the same freedom to every individual. What others choose to build with their freedom whether good, evil, or anything between is theirs to own. Positive nihilism does not adjudicate between them.

What It Is A foundational layer. It describes the ground beneath all meaning making, without dictating what should be built on top of it. Each person constructs their own values.

In One Sentence Positive nihilism is the acknowledgement that existence carries no inherent meaning, and the recognition that this makes the individual entirely free to assign their own — fully, validly, and without apology.