The video compares nihilism in "Rick and Morty" and "Bojack Horseman," focusing on existential and cosmic nihilism. It explains that nihilism is not just about believing in nothing but includes various philosophical positions that start from the premise that life has no inherent meaning. Existential nihilism is about creating our own meaning through freedom and decisions, as exemplified by Bojack Horseman's struggles. Cosmic nihilism, represented by Rick Sanchez, views human meanings like freedom and love as myths to cope with a meaningless universe. The video concludes that both forms of nihilism offer ways to navigate an uncertain world without prescribing a surrender to meaninglessness.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. The term "nihilism" was first coined by German philosopher Friedrich Jacobi in the late 18th century.
2. Nihilism refers to a number of philosophical, psychological, and ethical positions that begin from the premise that there is no inherent meaning, value, or order in life.
3. Existential nihilism is a branch of nihilism that argues that we must create our own meaning in life through our own freedom and decisions.
4. Søren Kierkegaard, a Danish philosopher, is considered one of the fathers of modern existentialism and wrote about the human experience of despair and anxiety.
5. Jean-Paul Sartre, a French philosopher, developed the first explicitly existentialist philosophy and argued that humans must create their own meaning in life.
6. Cosmic nihilism is a branch of nihilism that argues that there is no truth or meaning to be found in the universe and that human existence is insignificant.
7. Friedrich Nietzsche, a German philosopher, is often associated with nihilism, but his ideas are more nuanced and do not necessarily fit into the category of cosmic nihilism.
8. Eliminative materialism is a contemporary philosophical position that argues that many common-sense attitudes about human psychology should be dropped in favor of more scientific and empirical notions.
9. Thomas Metzinger, a German philosopher, argues that the human self is not a real thing, but rather a useful fantasy that we use to make sense of our experience.
10. Rick and Morty, a TV show, often explores themes of nihilism and existentialism, particularly through the character of Rick Sanchez.
11. BoJack Horseman, a TV show, also explores themes of nihilism and existentialism, particularly through the character of BoJack Horseman.
12. Existential nihilism and cosmic nihilism are two different approaches to understanding the human condition, with existential nihilism focusing on individual freedom and responsibility, and cosmic nihilism focusing on the meaninglessness of human existence in the face of an indifferent universe.