The Meaning of Life – Dan Merrill

Dan Merrill Metaphysics Final Paper

Before a philosopher even attempts to ask or answer a question, he must first define the terms he is using. Even if these terms can be satisfactorily defined, the question itself must be questioned. It is possible that in defining his terms the philosopher will realize that the question is ill-founded, nonsensical, or unanswerable. The question, “what is the meaning of life?” cannot be answered without defining the key terms “meaning,” and “life.” What I hope to convey in this essay is that a careful definition of these terms will lead to the conclusion that the question, and indeed life itself, is absurd.1

Life.pdf