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<blockquote data-quote="Steampunkette" data-source="post: 8310843" data-attributes="member: 6796468"><p>Existentialism isn't really a failing... It's more an understanding of the reality that you exist in, beyond the perspective we largely exist in. That of animal in its environment without understanding the context of its environment in relation to larger scopes.</p><p></p><p>Nihilism is a form of response to Existentialism. A central philosophical understanding that "Nothing Truly Matters on a Cosmic Scale" but that understanding must have a framework. And that framework can be selfish. "So I'll just do what -I- want", for example. Or "My perspective is the only one that matters because it is the only one I can be certain exists".</p><p></p><p>The Good Place is an excellent show for introductory understanding of philosophical concepts that actually gets really interesting with a backdrop of a ridiculous situation and wildly irreverent characters. Here's a fun example of a specifically self-deluding hedonistic response to Existential Crisis.</p><p></p><p>[SPOILER="Spoilers for the Good Place season 2!"]Existential Crisis:</p><p>[MEDIA=youtube]bbcAPxQ3YLA[/MEDIA]</p><p></p><p>Hedonistic Response:</p><p>[MEDIA=youtube]WfreovzlAYs[/MEDIA][/SPOILER]</p><p></p><p>Generally speaking, Contemptible. Also relatable. We all know that "Guy" in concept, if not in person. But other forms of Nihilistic response can be very positive. "Nothing Truly Matters on a Cosmic Scale, therefore I cannot view my existence or judge my actions on a cosmic scale and must focus entirely on an interpersonal one to determine my moral identity"</p><p></p><p>Which is why springing the young and idealistic Freedom Fighter on your slowly compromised Elf Queen is -such- an effective moment of storytelling. As the Queen's perspective shifts from interpersonal right and wrong to the concept of a larger scale of impact to her intentions she's much more likely to give up a lot of that idealism. And confronting her with the younger self, granted it'll probably be allegorical, will press that existential crisis. That "Oh. That's what I used to be... what have I become?" moment.</p><p></p><p>Which then leads to the response. Does she fling herself into hedonism? Rationalize her "Corrupted" motivations against the larger scale? Vow to change back to the person she was? Abdicate the throne immediately?</p><p></p><p>It's all very good for storytelling!</p><p></p><p>I wish we could talk about this through the lens of fantasy allegory for use in D&D games, I just can't think of one right now. >_<</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Steampunkette, post: 8310843, member: 6796468"] Existentialism isn't really a failing... It's more an understanding of the reality that you exist in, beyond the perspective we largely exist in. That of animal in its environment without understanding the context of its environment in relation to larger scopes. Nihilism is a form of response to Existentialism. A central philosophical understanding that "Nothing Truly Matters on a Cosmic Scale" but that understanding must have a framework. And that framework can be selfish. "So I'll just do what -I- want", for example. Or "My perspective is the only one that matters because it is the only one I can be certain exists". The Good Place is an excellent show for introductory understanding of philosophical concepts that actually gets really interesting with a backdrop of a ridiculous situation and wildly irreverent characters. Here's a fun example of a specifically self-deluding hedonistic response to Existential Crisis. [SPOILER="Spoilers for the Good Place season 2!"]Existential Crisis: [MEDIA=youtube]bbcAPxQ3YLA[/MEDIA] Hedonistic Response: [MEDIA=youtube]WfreovzlAYs[/MEDIA][/SPOILER] Generally speaking, Contemptible. Also relatable. We all know that "Guy" in concept, if not in person. But other forms of Nihilistic response can be very positive. "Nothing Truly Matters on a Cosmic Scale, therefore I cannot view my existence or judge my actions on a cosmic scale and must focus entirely on an interpersonal one to determine my moral identity" Which is why springing the young and idealistic Freedom Fighter on your slowly compromised Elf Queen is -such- an effective moment of storytelling. As the Queen's perspective shifts from interpersonal right and wrong to the concept of a larger scale of impact to her intentions she's much more likely to give up a lot of that idealism. And confronting her with the younger self, granted it'll probably be allegorical, will press that existential crisis. That "Oh. That's what I used to be... what have I become?" moment. Which then leads to the response. Does she fling herself into hedonism? Rationalize her "Corrupted" motivations against the larger scale? Vow to change back to the person she was? Abdicate the throne immediately? It's all very good for storytelling! I wish we could talk about this through the lens of fantasy allegory for use in D&D games, I just can't think of one right now. >_< [/QUOTE]
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